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 Private First Class Leonard J. Schneider (ASN: 35276871), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Cairo, Italy, on 12 February 1944. On that date the Germans launched a strong attack after a heavy artillery and mortar preparation on an Infantry Battalion’s positions on Mount Castellone. Private First Class Schneider, an automatic rifleman, leaped from his place of shelter to fire at the onrushing enemy. Locating a German machinegun nest, he immediately directed his fire at the emplacement and destroyed it. With his weapon out of action due to a ruptured cartridge, he remained in his position and threw hand grenades into the midst of the advancing Germans until he was killed by an enemy grenade. Private First Class Schneider’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, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.