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 [then Private] George L. Maxwell (ASN: 32267595), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 15 May 1944, near Penetro Hill, Italy. Sergeant Maxwell took command of a squad when the squad leader and assistant squad leader were killed during an attack on Penetro Hill. He rallied his men and led them forward approximately one hundred and fifty yards to overcome strong enemy opposition. Noticing that his company was being held by two enemy pill boxes, he armed himself with an automatic rifle and single-handedly neutralized these enemy positions, killing four and capturing three of the enemy. During this action Sergeant Maxwell was severely wounded but this intrepid soldier continued in the attack, wiping out another well-fortified enemy dugout. His aggressiveness and display of courageous leadership inspired the rest of the company to emulate his example in the attack, and were instrumental in the fulfillment of the company mission.