(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Harold Nelson Martling (ASN: 32944973), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at San Pietro in Cerro, Italy, on 27 April 1945. Sergeant Martling was leading a mortar section of Company E when his company was under attack by a much larger German force which was threatening to envelope it. Seeing that heavy and accurate fire from his mortars was needed to halt the German attack, he took a post in the only observations post available, an open window in the upper floor of a building. From there, he was able to shout firing instructions to his mortar crews below, who were shielded between two buildings. The accurate fire of his mortars prevented the enemy from surrounding the company position, and the Germans soon singled out Sergeant Martling, directing heavy rifle and bazooka fire on his position. Eight successive rockets smashed through the building, wrecking the room and setting it on fire. In spite of the danger and the intense heat, Sergeant Martling stuck to his vantage point and continued to direct the fire of his mortars. A ninth bazooka rocket hit him, smashing his leg and causing other sever wounds. But, despite the extreme pain, Sergeant Martling clung to the window and continued to direct his weapons until medical aid men could reach him. The enemy, their attack disrupted by the accurate mortar fire directed by Sergeant Martling, were crushingly defeated and many were captured. Sergeant Martling’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.