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 Sergeant Ralph Waldo Swisher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 3d Company, 3d Regiment, First Special Service Force, in action against enemy forces on the night of 7 January 1944, at Mount Majo, Italy. While moving on the left flank of a patrol leading the attack of his company against an enemy-occupied hill of the Mount Majo group, Sergeant Swisher and another soldier were pinned down by the fire of two machine guns about twenty-five yards to their front. Without support, acting on their own initiative, the two men each selected a machine gun and moved forward to silence it. Running uphill and to the flank, Sergeant Swisher forced the enemy gunner to adjust his fire which, although poorly aimed, wounded Sergeant Swisher slightly in both legs. Having gained the advantage of position, he tossed a hand grenade into the gun pit, killing one of the gunners and causing the other to flee. Sergeant Swisher then went to the assistance of his comrade and aided in capturing the crew of the second gun and an enemy soldier who had been acting as flank guard for the two machine guns. Sergeant Swisher’s daring in accomplishing this outstanding feat is exemplary of the highest traditions of the Army of the United States and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.