(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 First Sergeant Milton Frederick Schmittling (ASN: 36111615), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Yakamul, New Guinea, on 4 June 1944. Seeing the precarious condition of his isolated company, First Sergeant Schmittling’s commander realized the only means of escape of their battalion was across the mouth of a stream covered by a heavy machine gun. First Sergeant Schmittling and another man immediately volunteered to charge the enemy gun and plunged into four feet of water advancing as he fired. Despite being mortally wounded he gallantly forged ahead until he fell from his wounds. The courageous actions of First Sergeant Schmittling diverted the enemy fire and enabled his company to cross the stream in safety, strengthen their forces, and repulse the large scale enemy attack. First Sergeant Schmittling’s 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.