(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 Colonel (Infantry) William Henry Schildroth, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lanu-vic, Italy, in the drive on Rome, on 31 May and 2 June 1944. Colonel Schildroth’s infantry regiment was to make an attack supported by tank destroyers on the morning of 31 May, but the troops were pinned down by heavy machinegun and artillery fire because the tank destroyers were not in proper position. On 1 June 1944, just before dark, Colonel Schildroth went forward to confer with the Battalion Commanders on plans for the coming day. On his return trip, at about 2115 hours, his jeep stalled about four or five hundred yards from the Regimental Forward Command Post. Colonel Schildroth and his radio operator started to walk the balance of the way to the Command Post, leaving the driver with the vehicle. In the darkness, they took the wrong fork of the trail, strayed into a minefield and both Colonel Schildroth and the radio operator were killed as the result of setting off a Schu-mine with a prepared detonation charge under it. Colonel Schildroth’s outstanding leadership, 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.