The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Togo S. Sugiyama (ASN: 39163051), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 July 1944, near Pastina, Italy. To support a company attack, Sergeant Sugiyama emplaced his machine gun on the crest of a saddle between two hills so that his fire could cover the forward slope of both hills. Then, exposed to grazing small arms fire, he crawled along the ridge to a commanding position in order to direct fire. Locating an enemy machine gun and snipers on the left flank, Sergeant Sugiyama made his way along the reverse slope of the hill and reached a point directly opposite the enemy weapon. He killed two snipers with rifle fire and forced the machine gunners to withdraw. Returning to his observation post, he located a dugout occupied by two snipers who were firing on his machine gun position. Securing several grenades he led three riflemen in attacking the dugout to kill one German and force the other to surrender. Later, Sergeant Sugiyama fired tracer bullets to designate a German machine gun position, to enable nearby riflemen to neutralize the weapon. After reporting to nearby riflemen the presence of enemy troops located in a concrete house, Sergeant Sugiyama observed two German machine gun squads approaching the forward slope of the left hill. Crawling to a position of better visibility, and exposing himself to enemy fire, Sergeant Sugiyama fired three rifle grenades to kill five Germans and force the remainder to flee. Another machine gun across the valley opened fire on him, but withdrew before he could return fire. As he started to crawl back to his squad, Sergeant Sugiyama was fired upon by a concealed machine gun. Rising to return fire, Sergeant Sugiyama was killed instantly. By his fearlessness, combat skill and initiative, Sergeant Sugiyama inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy, and inspired his men by his intrepidity and self-sacrificing devotion to duty. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.