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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 Major (Infantry) Richard Montgomery Strong (ASN: 0-24594), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Campo Leone, Italy, from 30 May 1944 to 1 June 1944. Commanding his Battalion, Major Strong personally directed and led an assault against well-prepared enemy strong points and bunkers holding up the advance of a regimental front. He climbed to high ground under enemy observation and fire to bring his troops and supporting tanks into line. Mounting the turret of a medium tank, he rode forward to a point within 100 yards of hostile lines, where he was wounded by machine gun fire and knocked from the tank. Major Strong, despite his wound, continued to lead the attack and personally stormed one of the enemy positions, firing into t least three foxholes point blank with h is pistol, and accounting for several of the enemy, Major Strong was killed several yards behind enemy positions. His courage, determination, and indomitable leadership inspired his men to reach their objective. Major Strong’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, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    179th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1943
    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (March 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Richard Montgomery Strong (ASN: 0-24594), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Persano, Italy, on 12 September 1943. On that date a combat team became separated from all supporting units and for 24 hours all attempts to gain contact with the unit failed. In an effort to reach the isolated troops, Captain Strong raced his vehicle across a two-mile, fire swept zone where a friendly tank attack had just been halted. When his vehicle would not proceed further because of a minefield, he dismounted and walked alone into the town of Persano which was reportedly in enemy hands. Finding the town vacated by the enemy, he proceeded forward, continuing on two and one-half miles further through an area also believed to be occupied by the Germans. After traversing another minefield he succeeded in contacting the isolated troops. By his actions contact was re-established, supplies and ammunition were rushed forward, and a large number of casualties were evacuated. Captain Strong’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.