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 Raymond Edward Nicoli, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion (Motorized), Chemical Warfare Services, in action against enemy forces at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. When heavy enemy fire, high surf, and the abundance of beach obstacles caused landing craft to discharge their cargo far from the beach, Private Donald B. McLaren, Sergeant Raymond Edward Nicoli, Private Benton Lee Porter, and Technician Fifth Grade Felice J. Savino tied their own lifebelts to the mortar cars and swam their weapons ashore. When one cart sank after machinegun fire shredded the lifebelts, these four gallant Soldiers launched a determined effort to recover their weapon. Each of them was wounded repeatedly as they struggled against the tide, reattaching life belts to the cart and floating it ashore. All four men refused medical attention for their wounds until they got their mortar ashore and into action against the enemy. Their subsequent mortar fire was the first fire support mission fired by American forces on the European Continent. Sergeant Nicoli’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 and the United States Army.