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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Lyle Watts (ASN: 0-419413), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Troina, Sicily, on or about 6 August 1943. Under unrelenting pressure of an enemy counterattack, the left flank of First Lieutenant Watts’ company slowly began to waver and give ground. First Lieutenant Watts, sensing the conditions on the flank, left his command post and made his way to the left flank under terrific enemy machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire. Realizing the need or increased firepower, he personally manned a captured enemy machine gun and fired it at the advancing hostile troops until the ammunition was exhausted. Endeavoring further to repulse the attack, he made the supreme sacrifice of his life by advancing on an enemy machinegun, firing his carbine into the position until the gun was silenced. This extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty was an inspiration which will forever be remembered by his comrades in battle. First Lieutenant Watts’ 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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.