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) Angelo Enrico Pilla (ASN: 0-1290123), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 April 1945, in the vicinity of Untergriesheim, Germany. When his company was hard pressed by an enemy counter attack, Captain Pilla, by his own forceful action and words of encouragement to his men, saw to it that they held their position and repulsed the attack. When the enemy finally weakened, he personally led a counter attack and succeeded in gaining several hundred yards, turning apparent defeat into a brilliant victory. Captain Pilla’s fearless leadership, exemplary courage 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.