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 Staff Sergeant Aubrey Boddie Sally (ASN: 14130595), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Vao, Italy, on 16 April 1945. Staff Sergeant Sally was a member of a combat patrol that set out, with two tanks in support, to raid strong enemy positions. There was a bright moonlight and as they approached within 200 yards of their objective, the Germans opened fire with machine guns from three directions, and an exploding mine disabled one of the tanks. The enemy fire across flat, open ground, inflicted heavy casualties and then the enemy began to rain mortars among them, causing the patrol to become confused and disorganized. Three men were killed and the platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and 13 others were wounded, including Staff Sergeant Sally. Despite his injuries, which included a badly cut face, he unhesitatingly assumed command. He ran among the men, restoring order and directing fire on the enemy. In great pain and weak from loss of blood, he clung to the side of the remaining tank, pointed out targets, and directed its fire on the German machinegun positions. Realizing that to continue to fight would only result in further casualties, he order the men to withdraw. Eight of the wounded men were unable to walk, and after sending the rest of the platoon to the rear, Sergeant Sally with two comrades, carried the wounded 200 yards to comparative safety. Three times, under murderous fire, he made his way to wounded comrades and carried them to covered positions. Sergeant Sally refused to be treated for his injuries until he had led the rest of the men to the company’s position and reported the action to his battalion commander. By his unusual deeds of heroism, Staff Sergeant Sally was directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his men. Although critically wounded himself, his actions in assuming command and reorganizing his platoon prevented the loss of the entire unit. Staff Sergeant Sally’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 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.