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) George E. Hodgdon (ASN: 0-1283941), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with an Infantry Company of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action on 30 January 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy. While attacking across flat, open terrain, First Lieutenant Hodgdon’s company encountered intense enemy machine gun fire which halted the advance and forced his platoon to take cover. Exposing himself to intense machine gun, machine pistol and rifle fire, First Lieutenant Hodgdon ran from platoon to platoon and reorganized and rallied his men. Then he personally led his company in the attack, advancing conspicuously ahead of his men, despite enemy bullets striking all around him. He rushed forward relentlessly, narrowly escaping injury when a bullet grazed his cheek. He moved in close to the enemy position, firing his submachine gun from the hip. Suddenly a German concussion grenade exploded at his feet, knocking him to the ground. Stunned for a moment and badly shaken, he recovered himself and leaping to his feet, fired at the enemy, killing at least six Germans and wounding several others with his submachine gun. When an enemy tank appeared, First Lieutenant Hodgdon ran more than 100 yards to secure and direct the fire of a supporting tank to destroy the enemy armor. Inspiring his men by his own fearless determination under heavy fire, he led his company to its objective where he lost consciousness. First Lieutenant Hodgdon’s determined courage and aggressive leadership reflect the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.