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 Sergeant George Lenkalis (ASN: 13046935), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with the 760th Tank Battalion (Separate), with the FIFTH U.S. Army on the Rapido River, in Italy, on 25 January 1944. Sergeant Lenkalis commanded a tank crew engaged in a firing mission against German gun positions on the West bank of the Rapido River in Italy. His tank had been dug in to provide protection against anti-tank and artillery fire. During a heavy enemy barrage of artillery, he noticed that an Infantryman had been hit by enemy fire. He hastened to assist the fallen soldier, and as he reached the wounded man, he was struck and mortally wounded by fragments. Despite his wounds, he assisted in carrying the man to a protected place beneath the tank. He gave the soldier first aid treatment, but before he had consented to first aid for himself, he died of his own wounds. Sergeant Lenkalis’ 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 and the United States Army.