The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Michael J. Fortuna (ASN: 6987455), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 385th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 21 February 1945. On that date, near Menningen, Germany, Private Fortuna constantly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he carried water, ammunition, and messages to the forward elements of his unit. While attempting to deliver an important message to his Company Commander he was fatally wounded by artillery fire but courageously crawled forward and relayed the message to a comrade before he died of his wounds. Private Fortuna’s heroic actions, unswerving determination and supreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.