(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private First Class William Charles McLaughlin (ASN: 20707486), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 7 November 1943. During an attack against well defended enemy positions, the infantry squad commanded by Private First Class McLaughlin was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire. Private First Class McLaughlin and a rocket launcher operator crawled 40 yards toward a position from which they could fire their weapon at the enemy. While moving forward, his companion was wounded. Fully exposing himself to enemy fire, Private First Class McLaughlin stood up and carried the injured man 60 yards to a covered position, Taking the rocket launcher himself, Private First Class McLaughlin again crawled toward the enemy. He fired two shots, both of which found their mark but failed to explode. He crawled 50 yards closer and fired his remaining rocket. While observing the flight of the rocket, Private First Class McLaughlin was mortally wounded by the enemy machine gun which had been firing at him constantly. Private First Class McLaughlin’s 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.