The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Sergeant Marion Lee Hitchens (ASN: 32367619), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 673d Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Battery, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces at Los Negros Island, Admiralty Group, on 4 March 1944. On that date, First Sergeant Hitchens was engaging low-flying hostile aircraft with anti-aircraft fire when enemy ground troops directed heavy grenade and small arms fire against our troops adjacent to his position. Faced with the alternative of remaining in the field fortification, or moving his machine gun into the open to engage the enemy on the ground, he moved his weapons to assist our ground troops. Finding his field of fire obstructed, he ran fifty yards into the open under heavy enemy fire, to his other machine gun, pausing en route to throw eight hand grenades into an enemy pill box. Upon reaching the machine gun, he moved it from its fortified position to the aid of two enlisted men, and manning the gun alone, placed a heavy and accurate fire on the enemy. By his quick and accurate judgment and courageous action, he, in addition to killing at least twelve enemy troops, contributed materially to repelling the enemy attack. First Sergeant Hitchens’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.