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 (Infantry) Sheldon O. Suess (ASN: 0-422463), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lawican, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 9 to 11 April 1945. Assigned the mission of occupying and holding an important ridge, Captain Suess, Commanding Company F, 136th Infantry Regiment, led his men to the objective, but before they were established, enemy machine guns opened fire. Despite constant enemy observation and firing from a higher ridge, Captain Suess boldly moved among his men to organize and consolidate the position before darkness. Following a mortar barrage, the enemy launched a fierce attack and penetrated one end of the perimeter. Realizing that this breakthrough endangered the entire company, captain Seuss quickly left his foxhole, though he knew he might be mistaken in the darkness for a Japanese by his own men, and personally led reinforcements to completely repulse the enemy. The Japanese maintained harassing fire throughout the next day, but he fearlessly exposed himself to reorganize and encourage his men. Although food and ammunition were low and outside assistance could not be expected, he knew that a withdrawal wound endanger the rear of an entire division, and determined to hold the vital ridge at all costs. At 0300 the enemy made two furious assaults, but, skillfully deploying his men, Captain Seuss e again drove off the Japanese. The following morning, as he rose from his foxhole to make new defensive preparation, he was killed by an enemy sniper. Through his great personal courage, skillful disposition of his forces, and fearless and inspiring leadership, Captain Seuss enabled his men to hold out against great odds and drive off a threat to the flanks of two divisions. Captain Suess’ outstanding leadership, 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 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.