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 Wendell Martell Preece (ASN: 6581439), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Campo Morto, Italy, on 30 January 1944. Two wounded men were laying to the right of his company’s battle line, about 100 yards from where Private Preece, Company Aid Man, was taking cover under the intense automatic weapons fire being thrown out by the enemy. Despite this fie, Private Preece unhesitatingly ran across the flat, exposed area to aid the men. One of them was seriously wounded, and Private Preece carried him to a safe spot 200 yards to the rear, all while under machinegun fire. Then he returned again to the firing line. Spotting two other wounded men lying on the flat ground about 150 yards in front of the German position, Private Preece went to their aid, and dragged the wounded men to cover. Leaving them, he then went to help another casualty while machine gun fire ripped into the ground around him. As Private Preece started to provide first aid, one of the machinegun bursts hit him, nearly severing his arm. Despite this serious and painful wound, he continued courageously to administer medical treatment. Sighting still another wounded infantryman, Private Preece gave him what aid he could, and then dragged himself 75 yards to a position from which he could be evacuated. Private Preece’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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.