(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Class Salvatore Pepe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 8 October 1944. During the attack at Merkstein, Private Salvatore was a scout for the leading platoon of his battalion. After the platoon was pinned down by fire from a large building and surrounding barns, Private Pepe crawled ahead, firing his rifle and throwing grenades. He wounded four Germans, induced the surrender of 53 enemy soldiers, and was responsible for the capture of two mortars, two machine guns, and other weapons. Private First Class Pepe’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 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.