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 Staff Sergeant Emery Frank Cleveland, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 January 1945, in the vicinity of Reidwihr, France. When his Battalion was halted during an attack, Sergeant Cleveland voluntarily seized a heavy machine gun barrel and a box of ammunition and dashed forward three hundred yards through withering enemy fire which cut down the three men remaining in his section. Firing his gun without a tripod, fighting alone and in an exposed position, he dueled and destroyed two emplaced German machine guns. Despite three painful wounds, the intrepid Sergeant braved enemy tank fire, annihilated an infantry assault force, and enabled his battalion to resume the attack. Staff Sergeant Cleveland’s extraordinary heroism, 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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.