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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Edward Vierheller (ASN: 0-1310532), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of San Angelo, Italy, on 22 January 1944. Second Lieutenant Vierheller commanded a heavy weapons platoon that supported a rifle company in a savagely opposed attack on enemy strongpoints west of the Rapido River. The force marched through thickly-sown minefields to the river, and enemy fire took a heavy toll of the troops as they crossed. In enemy territory, hostile automatic and sniper fire fell on the assaulting troops while they struggled against barbed wire entanglements. Hurriedly, he set up his guns and attempted to neutralize the enemy positions in his sector. Unmindful of the danger, he moved constantly among his harassed men, instilling courage among them by his calm manner and words of encouragement. Coolly and skillfully he directed their operations. In order to observe an enemy gun position, he further exposed himself and received fatal wounds. Realizing the seriousness of his wounds, he ordered his platoon to reorganize, pointed out positions for his guns and then insisted that his men abandon him and establish the line of defense he had selected. Obeying the orders of their fallen leader, the platoon accomplished its mission. His valor remains as a perpetual inspiration to his command, and his heroic performance under fire 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.