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 Kenneth Richard Booze (ASN: 35031221), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 751st Tank Battalion, attached to the 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Valltri, Italy, on 30 May 1944. Staff Sergeant Booze, in command of two tanks spearheading an infantry attack, encountered an enemy strongpoint of infantry trenches and gun positions protected by barbed wire entanglements and anti-tank mines. He ordered one tank to remain in position as a base of fire, broke through the wire with his own tank, and began cruising the position. Seeing the ineffectiveness of the tank weapons on the deeply entrenched enemy, Staff Sergeant Booze leaned from the turret, and while small arms fire rained against his tank, fired an antiaircraft machine gun at point blank range downward into position after position. Firing in this manner and throwing hand grenades, he eliminated a large portion of the stronghold. A high explosive projectile struck the tank from which he was leading, riddling his arm and shoulder with fragments and partially disabling the tank. While the enemy showered the stricken vehicle with small arms fire at close range, Staff Sergeant Booze jumped from the turret to the ground in order to determine the damage and aid the driver. Dragging himself along the ground, he guided the tank a short distance to the rear, but the vehicle was hit again and completely knocked out of action. Still in the midst of enemy positions, Staff Sergeant Booze refused to take cover and crawled seventy-five yards through a wall of fire to his other tank to give the crew vital information and instructions for assisting the attacking infantry. The courageous action of Staff Sergeant Booze made it possible for the infantry to advance through the position without delay and with a minimum of casualties. Staff Sergeant Booze’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 and the United States Army.