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 Noel D. Mock (ASN: 0-2055209), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Sicily, on 3 August 1943. During a fierce enemy counterattack and under concentrated enemy mortar fire, realizing that there was no time to set up his mortar in the orthodox manner, Sergeant Mock placed the tube between his knees and without benefit of a sight piece, base plate, or tripod, succeeded in placing deadly accurate mortar fire on the attacking enemy, and helped repel the attack. The same day, Sergeant Mock single-handedly, armed only with a pistol, entered a house within enemy lines and captured eight armed Germans. Approaching the house under heavy enemy fire, he waited outside until one of the Germans left the house. Disarming the German in single combat, and using the captured German as a shield, he entered the house and captured the other enemy soldiers. Sergeant Mock’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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.