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 Private Robert Kenneth Debolt, III, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as an Infantryman with Company C, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, on 4 September 2008 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. While driving a vehicle in an escort convoy, lead elements began to receive small arms fire and Private Debolt maneuvered his vehicle off the main road in order to provide effective supporting fire. While maneuvering, his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device and was almost immediately engulfed in flames. Private Debolt exited the vehicle and, while still on fire himself, extracted one of his fellow Soldiers, pulling him away from the flaming wreckage. Though severely burned and still under direct enemy fire, Private Debolt extinguished the flames that were rapidly engulfing his comrade’s body. He then moved to assist another of his comrades, pulling him from the vehicle and extinguished his burning clothing. Even after medical personnel had began to treat Private Debolt he remained ready and eager to engage the enemy despite his own blinding pain and shock. His courage under fire and disregard for his own wellbeing at the start of a concerted enemy ambush helped save the life of one of his fellow Soldiers while helping to prevent serious injury to another. Private Debolt’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.