The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Sheldon M. Dannelly (ASN: 0-373430), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces along the Villa Verde Trail at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 April 1945. As an infantry company was preparing to attack, a bomb suddenly smashed into the perimeter, burying 5 men with its explosion. The enemy immediately concentrated machinegun and rifle fire on the area where the bomb had landed. Captain Dannelly, the Company Commander, seized an entrenching shovel and with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed forward across the 50 yards of open ground with bullets striking all about him. Although the enemy fire grew in intensity, he rose to his feet and, fully exposed, began digging into the rock and sand beneath which men were buried. As he undertook his self-imposed task, he was hit and killed by enemy fire. Captain Dannelly, through gallant sacrifice of his own life, provided a lasting inspiration for the men with whom he served. Captain Dannelly’s outstanding leadership, 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.