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 Staff Sergeant Nicholas Fred Valentino (ASN: 32358203), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Ponte Rotto, Italy, on 31 January 1944. Staff Sergeant Valentino seized a heavy machine gun, together with its tripod and a box of ammunition, and carried it forward 100 yards through intense 77-mm. machine and machine pistol fire which had halted the advance of his battalion. Staggering under his 112-pound load, Staff Sergeant Valentino reached a point within 75 yards of the enemy. Although he was fatally wounded as he put his weapon in position, he nevertheless engaged the enemy as his life ebbed away, and succeeded in killing six of the enemy. Then, intent on supporting his battalion to the very last, Staff Sergeant Valentino shifted his fire to an enemy-held house 300 yards away, delivering effective fire until his death two minutes later. Staff Sergeant Valentino’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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.