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 Sergeant Theodore Roosevelt MacDonnell (ASN: 33321109), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 91st Chemical Mortar Company, attached to the 7th Infantry Division, near Ouki, at Okinawa, on 21 April, 1945. When an enemy machine gun in a commanding position with protecting riflemen held up the advance of an infantry company to which he was attached as a chemical mortar observer, Sergeant MacDonnell voluntarily left a place of safety, and armed only with grenades, single-handedly assaulted the position. Advancing up the shell-torn slope under heavy enemy sniper fire and a barrage of grenades, Sergeant MacDonnell climbed to the top of the ridge three times, hurled grenades at the enemy, then slid to the bottom to escape the enemy fire. Having located the enemy gun on the third trip, he borrowed a BAR. and without regard for his personal safety, and in the face of enemy fire, again climbed the ridge, intent on the destruction of the enemy. After firing one round, his gun jammed, forcing his withdrawal. Undaunted, he returned, secured a carbine, and again made the perilous ascent in the face of a deadly hail of bursting grenades and a heavy enemy fire, fearlessly assaulted the position, annihilating the enemy gunner and two riflemen. Remaining in this exposed position, he engaged the remaining enemy until other troops, electrified by his actions, joined him and secured the position. Sergeant MacDonnell’s courageous and intrepid actions were an inspiration to all and greatly expedited the advance of the assaulting elements and the attainment of the objective.