(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor) Charles Leonadus Ricks, Jr. (ASN: 0-456129), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 755th Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Damiano, Italy, on 12 and 13 June 1944. On more than five different occasions during the fighting around Florence, Italy, after withdrawals had been ordered, under heavy sustained enemy aircraft and armored action, Captain Ricks without any regard for his personal safety, turned the withdrawals into defeat of the enemy without loss of life and equipment to his units. Captain Ricks’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.