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 Wright Donald Hinson (ASN: 38060855), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Algeria, on 8 November 1942. Staff Sergeant Hinson was in the hold of a ship with many men who were injured or overcome with ammonia as when the ship was set on fire by direct hits from shore batteries. Realizing the perilous position of his comrades, and with complete disregard for his own welfare, he climbed to the deck of the ship while it was being raked with machine gun fire, carried and assisted these soldiers out of the hold, and obtained a hose with which he sprayed water into the hold to settle the ammonia gas. He then left the ship, obtained a row boat, assisted the men into it, as well as others who were in the water, and rowed them all to the shore. Sergeant Hinson’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.