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 First Class Earl F. Thurston (ASN: 36534320), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 15 December 1944. On that date, Sergeant First Class Thurston led his squad in action against enemy fortifications at Fraulaurtern, Germany. When the squad encountered intense machine-gun and sniper fire the Sergeant ordered his men to cover and went forward alone. Maneuvering to the rear of the building in which the snipers were located, he killed one with pistol fire, crawled silently upon the second and killed him with a knife. Then, working his way cautiously to a position near the machine-gun, the intrepid soldier routed the crew with pistol fire, seized the captured weapon and opened fire upon the trenches surrounding the position. He inflicted heavy casualties upon the defending Germans, permitting his squad to capture its objective. Sergeant First Class Thurston’s bold, fearless actions, inspiring leadership and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.