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 George Stanley Paudel (ASN: 12006999), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cassino, Italy, on 25 January 1944. Private Paudel served as a member of a ten-man patrol that was dispatched to probe enemy positions. The patrol was divided into two groups, one of which crossed a road to draw fire and locate enemy positions while the other remained as a covering party. As the first group moved into enemy territory, intense enemy machinegun and sniper fire was encountered. A scout leading the group was wounded in the stomach by a sniper’s bullet and lay at the mercy of the enemy in flat, open terrain, exposed to the withering machinegun and deadly sniper fire. Seeing his comrade fall, Private Paudel, a member of the covering force, without a moment’s hesitation, left the safety of his cover and crawled forward 200 yards under excellent enemy observation toward the wounded man. While inching forward he was fired upon and wounded in the nose. Undaunted, he continued his perilous journey, but before reaching his comrade he was again taken under enemy fire and wounded in the forearm. Slowly he dragged his wounded fellow soldier across the open, fire-swept field, then up a steep embankment, and across a bullet-swept road into friendly positions. Because of the enemy observation the two men could not be evacuated in daylight. As the balance of the patrol withdrew with their mission successfully completed, he stood vigil over his comrade until darkness permitted evacuation by litter squads. Private Paudel’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.