The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Allen F. Langille (ASN: 11046104), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 July 1943, at Biscari Airport, Sicily. Private Langille became separated from his company and attached himself to the Third Platoon, Company A, 180th Infantry Regiment, as the latter organization advanced along the road leading to Biscari Airport. Private Langille procured a rocket launcher and along with another enlisted man, who volunteered to accompany him as assistant gunner, moved out to the right flank of the platoon with one round of ammunition. Private Langille and his companion, without orders, advanced under heavy fire to a position within thirty yards of an enemy 20-mm. platform gun and, from a range of about thirty yards, discharged the rocket from the launcher, scoring a direct hit on the 20-mm. gun, knocking it out and killing and wounding its crew. Private Langille then went in search of ammunition and was confronted by a German officer with a drawn pistol, ordering him to raise his hands. Instead of complying with this order, Private Langille, although suffering from pain caused by shrapnel wounds in his back, attacked, unarmed, and belabored the officer with his helmet until he disposed of him. Private Langille’s heroic actions are worthy of the highest praise and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.