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 Private Joseph Occhino (ASN: 6979734), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on ** March 1943 near ***, Tunisia. While his company was making a particularly spirited attack on an enemy strong point, Private Occhino saw a wounded soldier lying entirely exposed to the fire of several enemy machine guns. Knowing that the soldier would be killed if he were not immediately removed, Private Occhino, with utter disregard for his own life and safety, deliberately left his place of cover and concealment to go to the aid of the wounded man. Reaching his wounded comrade, he half carried, half dragged him about three hundred yards to a place of safety. During this action Private Occhino was seriously wounded. Private Occhino’s heroic and timely action, performed at the risk of his own life, undoubtedly saved the wounded man’s life. His courage under fire and devotion to his comrades were an inspiration to all, and reflect the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.