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 Corporal Morris P. Nelson (ASN: 36242593), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cisterna, Italy on 20 May 1944. His battalion, after having taken German positions, was subjected to a strong enemy counterattack, and the entire battalion was forced to withdraw to former positions. The enemy pressed the attack and threatened a breakthrough. Corporal Nelson, a 37-mm. gunner, refused to withdraw with his platoon, but instead moved to a .30 caliber machine gun which had been abandoned. He commenced firing at the advancing army. His accurate fire halted the enemy attack, but drew the attention and fire of the attackers upon himself. A short time later another soldier, Private Harold Latty, joined and him and procured another machine gun. Under terrific enemy mortar and small arms fired directed at them, Corporal Nelson and Private Latty held their positions and fought off the counterattack. A hit from an enemy mortar shell damaged the tripod of his gun, but Corporal Nelson removed the tripod and fired the weapon, resting the water jacket across his left arm. For a half hour, Corporal Nelson and Private Latty held off the enemy. Corporal Nelson’s courage, initiative and calmness in the face of heavy odds prevented an enemy break-through which would have seriously jeopardized the entire battalion positions. Corporal Nelson’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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.