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 Staff Sergeant Martin J. Lavelle (ASN: 36016263), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 July 1944 in France. On that day, while leading his squad in an attack, Sergeant Lavelle was wounded by shell fragments in the arms, chest, and face and became unconscious. While being carried to the rear he regained consciousness; disregarding his painful wounds refusing medical treatment, and with utter disregard for his personal welfare he returned to his squad, reassumed command and led it for nine hours against a determined enemy, to the squad objective. The gallant courage and exemplary leadership of Sergeant Lavelle are worthy of emulation, and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.