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 Major (Armor) Andrew Roy Cheek, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 760th Tank Battalion (Separate), FIFTH U.S. Army, in action against armed enemy forces in Italy, from 14 through 26 May 1944. During the operations from the fall of Santa Maria, Italy, until he was wounded, Major Cheek took active leadership in all the major fights of elements of his battalion. Always at the front of the attack, he made numerous reconnaissances on foot to front line infantry units and beyond, selecting routes of advance and making plans for the employment of armor. On several occasions he directed the use of artillery and the movement of tanks from exposed positions well in advance of the infantry. In the vicinity of Priverno, Italy, although wounded and temporarily blinded by a rock propelled by a shell burst, he continued to direct fire at an enemy tank and suspected enemy tank positions. Later he was wounded again when his tank was hit and penetrated. Assisting one of the crew members from the disabled tank, Major Cheek although bleeding freely from his wounds, rendered first aid to two soldiers and carried one of them to a spot protected from enemy sniper fire. Assisted by one of his tank crew members, Major Cheek carried the more seriously wounded soldier more than one-quarter of a mile, but became to weak to transport his burden further. Proceeding alone, he obtained the assistance of a civilian who aided in removing the seriously wounded soldier to a house. Despite the growing severity of his own wounds, Major Cheek returned to friendly lines. Contacting his own unit, he dispatched a party to evacuate one of the casualties, while he returned in a tank to evacuate two others to an infantry aid station. Major Cheek’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion 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.