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 Sergeant Robert O. Alexander, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Telese, Italy, on 12 October 1943. Sergeant Alexander went forward alone on reconnaissance for light machine gun positions, when by chance he ran across a German machine gunner setting up his weapon. Rushing the position he captured both the man and the gun and brought them back to the rear, before calmly going forward a second time and accomplishing his original mission. Shortly after his light guns were placed in the chosen positions, the fighting began, the Germans preceding their ground attack by terrific artillery and mortar preparation. It was during this opening burst of fire that two mortar fragments dropped Sergeant Alexander to the ground with fragments tearing his left leg. Although bleeding profusely, he staggered back to his feet, checked each weapon in his section, issued firing orders, and then propped himself up so he could meet the onrushing enemy with his own Tommy Gun. Wounded a third time, he was no longer able to hold his weapon. He crawled behind a rock and lay there, continuing to encourage his men in the battle, directing the fire of his section, until no more Germans rushed forward and the nose of enemy gunning had ceased. Only then did he make his way back to help, without assistance. Sergeant Alexander’s extraordinary heroism, 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.