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 Fortunato Garcia, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Carroceto, Italy, from 16 to 22 February 1944. Sergeant Garcia may have saved his infantry company from annihilation during a six-day, all out German assault on elements of the 45th Infantry Division on the Anzio beachhead. On 19 February, braving both enemy and friendly fire, he repaired communication lines leading to platoons of Americans who were resisting German assault. On 18 February he volunteered, because communication lines were cut for a 600-yard strip through enemy territory, to warn his battalion command post of a German attack. From 19 through 22 February, in addition to maintaining radio and wire contact with the battalion command post, he supervised and led ration carrying parties every night, in once instance being the only one to get through. During the daytime, Sergeant Garcia remained at the Company Command Post keeping lines open and relaying valuable information to the battalion, despite the fact that he was under direct tank, machine gun, and rifle fire. He was last reported advancing in the face of heavy enemy machine gun fire in an attempt to find a way to safety for the remnants of his company. Sergeant Garcia’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 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.