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 Private Arthur Cerf Mayer (ASN: 16102081), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 June 1944, in France. When the reconnaissance patrol, of which Private Mayer was a member, crossed the Carentan Canal, it met intense enemy automatic fire on the enemy side of the river. This forced the members of the patrol to swim back to the other side under the enemy fire. Private Mayer, despite a strong tide, assisted one member in completing the crossing. He, with complete disregard for his own safety, reentered the canal to rescue another member of the patrol who was about to drown. Though he received serious arm and leg wounds, Private Mayer, nevertheless, brought the drowning soldier to shore. Private Mayer’s intrepid actions, personal gallantry and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.