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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul Frederick Heath, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Terelle, Italy, on 31 January 1944. While advancing with his Infantry company west of Mount Alete, Italy, Lieutenant Heath observed that the two leading platoons had been pinned down by machine gun fire from a house at their front. He ordered a scout to concentrate fire on the door and window of the house while he then worked his way across rocky terrain to neutralize the enemy emplacement. He crawled to within a few yards of the house, threw a hand grenade through a window, then assaulted the occupants. One of the enemy was killed and another taken prisoner, while the company was able to continue to its objective. First Lieutenant Heath’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.