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 First Class Romeo Arthur LeClair (ASN: 31200648), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 January 1944, near the Rapido River in Italy. Private First Class LeClair was attached as Aidman to Company ** when that unit, occupying positions on the east bank of a strategic river, was supporting an attack against savagely defended positions on the hostile bank. His platoon was continually subjected to intense artillery, mortar and machine gun fire and, at daybreak, was ordered to dig in to afford maximum protection. Because of the heavy enemy fire, his platoon sustained numerous casualties and Private First Class LeClair, contemptuous of personal safety, worked indefatigably among the wounded, administering prompt and effective first aid. While shell explosions shook the ground around him, he ran from position to position attending his injured comrades. In a moment of respite, he had started gigging a foxhole when his entrenching tool struck an enemy S mine. Instantly ware that the explosive would endanger the lives of many of his fellow soldiers, he threw himself on the mine, sacrificing his life to protect the lives of his comrades. His unselfishness, his devotion to duty and his extraordinary heroism inspired the men to continue the attack with grimmer determination and carry on through to their ultimate objective. Private First Class LeClair’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.