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 Private First Class Richard Mark Swanson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Cairo, Italy, on 10 February 1944. As his squad moved forward over mountainous and muddy terrain through rain and snow, Private First Class Swanson, ahead of his squad as scout, while advancing up a draw which afforded very little cover, was suddenly fired upon b y three German machine guns, strategically emplaced, covering all avenues of approach. Private First Class Swanson was wounded in the head by machine gun fire and knocked out momentarily by concussion grenades hurled by the enemy. When he regained consciousness, Private First Class Swanson, although he was exposed to the withering enemy fire, moved skillfully from rock to rock, determined to reach a vantage point and neutralize the gun to his immediate front. After moving to within 10 yards of the emplacement, Private First Class Swanson calmly hurled hand grenades into the machine gun position, destroying it and causing the gun crew to flee, thereby allowing his squad to continue on its mission. It was not until he had completed his self-assigned mission that he received first aid treatment, and as soon as his wound had been bandaged, he rejoined his squad and accompanied it into battle. Private First Class Swanson’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 and the United States Army.