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 Captain (Infantry) Alden S. Lance, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 February 1944, near Cassino, Italy. Captain Lance personally led his company in a smashing attack that completely disrupted enemy hill positions. On the following morning the enemy launched a counterattack in strength. Captain Lance again unhesitatingly exposed himself to withering machine gun fire in order to direct the elements of his company. As the enemy attack increased in intensity, his company was forced to withdraw approximately two hundred yards. Determined to hold his position, Captain Lance stemmed the retreat, reorganized his units, and personally directed the activities of individual members of his company, as well as those of a platoon of another company. His courageous and inspiring leadership prompted his men to regain the lost ground and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. During repeated German counterattacks he attended to the evacuation of the wounded, adjusted artillery fire from hazardous forward positions and courageously led his men in repelling the enemy. Captain Lance’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty set an inspiring example for his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.