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 Second Lieutenant (Cavalry) Alton Sawin, Jr. (ASN: 0-521965), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 28th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 6th Cavalry Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces on 21 January 1945. During an attack toward Wiltz, Luxembourg, three men of Lieutenant Sawin’s platoon were severely wounded by enemy mines. Their leader, without hesitation, entered the minefield to give first aid to his men and was severely wounded himself when a mine exploded, severing his foot. He attempted to drag himself the rest of the way to his wounded men, and when help arrived, he directed first aid treatment for the men, insisting upon their evacuation before he would accept aid for himself. Then, lying wounded in the snow, under enemy artillery fire, this courageous officer reorganized his platoon and continued to direct their action until medical aid arrived. Second Lieutenant Sawin’s conspicuous heroism and supreme devotion to his men and 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.