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 Sergeant Hugh Harlton Merritt (ASN: 20805611), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 January 1944, in the vicinity of Summuero, Italy. Sergeant Merritt volunteered to join a patrol with the mission of reconnoitering a large draw at the base of a hill. The patrol, after working its way down a trail under intense enemy artillery and mortar fire, advanced cautiously into the draw and found itself suddenly within five yards of a hidden German machine gun nest. Having been surprised by the patrol, a member of the enemy crew attempted to fire the machine gun, but Sergeant Merritt opened fire upon the German gunner, killing him. He then charged the remaining four Germans who had opened fire with machine pistols. He shot the commander of the enemy crew, but was unable to prevent others from escaping, because another enemy machine gun nearby had opened fire on the patrol. The group successfully accomplished its mission, but while returning to the command post, Sergeant Merritt was fatally wounded by enemy mortar fire. Sergeant Merritt’s demonstration of magnificent valor and aggressive determination in the face of point blank enemy fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers, and reflected the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.