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 Donald Preston Talley (ASN: 33089451), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 October 1944 at Poggio di Sopra, Italy. When his platoon was forced to take cover from intense enemy machine gun fire during an attack, Private Talley, serving as first scout, boldly ran forward to a point from which he could observe and fire upon the enemy gunners. While engaging one enemy machine gunner in a fire fight, he studied the terrain and located a more covered approach to the objective. When the platoon resumed the attack, Private Talley led his comrades under cover to an embankment 50 yards from the objective. Every attempt to ascend the embankment was met by a hail of enemy fire. Again taking the initiative, Private Talley, in full view of the enemy and in the face of intense fire, climbed the bank and charged an enemy-held house. He was killed by machine pistol fire. His platoon, inspired by the heroism of Private Talley, charged over the bank and stormed the house, capturing 13 Germans and securing the position. Private Talley’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.