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 First Class Orlin Albert Franklin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 April 1944, near Anzio, Italy. Private Franklin was automatic rifleman for a seven-man patrol with a mission to capture an enemy-occupied house. After making its way through enemy wire the patrol was suddenly subjected to terrific machine gun, mortar and grenade fire, which severely wounded Private Franklin, the patrol leader and two others. The leader ordered the patrol to withdraw but Private Franklin, although his left arm was rendered useless from his wounds, stayed in firing position to cover the withdrawal. His fire permitted the patrol to get back through the enemy fire until dust from a mortar shell explosion jammed his piece. He then took an M-1 rifle from one of his comrades whom he believed to be dead and resumed fire. Two enemy soldiers approached to within 25 yards of the wounded patrol leader and the man who was assisting him to move but Private Franklin wounded both Germans and the patrol leader was evacuated successfully. Weakened from his own wounded, Private Franklin was unable to evacuate another of his comrades who was too severely hit to move but he gave first aid to this soldier and searched the area for other casualties. While withdrawing he was again wounded but succeeded in making his way back to friendly lines. Private First Class Franklin’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 and the United States Army.