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 Staff Sergeant Oliver Roy Birkner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Carroceto, Italy, on 19 February 1944. Sergeant Birkner’s unit was fighting near Carroceto, Italy, where the ground was open with rolling slopes, giving the enemy good observation. Although he realized his actions were extremely hazardous, he established himself in a house under direct fire of the enemy, and from this post directed the fire of his mortars. When the enemy became aware of his presence, they immediately concentrated artillery, mortar, and small arms fire upon his position. A group of enemy soldiers succeeded in infiltrating to the rear of his position, where they set up a machine gun and poured additional fire on him. When his mortar mission was completed, Sergeant Birkner attacked the machine gun at his rear. Using only his rifle and without assistance, he killed one German operating the gun and captured another. Meanwhile, another enemy machine gun opened up 30 yards from the front of his observation post. Tanks also had moved into range, adding their fire to that already concentrated on the house. Taking his rifle and some hand grenades, Sergeant Birkner attacked the new machine gun location, killing two of the enemy including one officer, and wounding others, taking two prisoners. During the engagement he was himself wounded, but he refused to leave his post until his company was relieved. Four days later Sergeant Birkner, in another engagement, was reported missing in action. Staff Sergeant Birkner’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.