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 Samuel J. Mazzotti (ASN: 6977290), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 April 1943 in the vicinity of Mateur, Tunisia. Sergeant Mazzotti, while attached to Company I, 16th Infantry, voluntarily sought cut and destroyed a particularly effective enemy machine gun nest with a captured anti-tank rifle. Although wounded and under machine gun crossfire, harassing sniper fire, mortar and artillery fire, Sergeant Mazzotti killed or wounded the entire gun crew, thereby silencing a gun which proved to be the key gun of the enemy defense and subsequently allowed the future exploitation and final capture of the hill. This deed not only materially advanced our forces but was an example of extraordinary heroism which inspired our men to greater efforts. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mazzotti are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.