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 Private First Class Wayne Hayse Brooks (ASN: 37529252), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Mittelwihr, France, on 13 – 14 December 1944. Private First Class Brooks volunteered to contact isolated units besieged in the town. Undeterred by a road block and a burning ammunition dump, he penetrated the enemy lines in time to put an unmanned machine gun into action and help repel an enemy assault. He twice went on volunteer missions to get vitally needed ammunition and in each instance killed an enemy soldier who attempted to block his path. From a second story window he killed four of the enemy and wounded many others. With the ammunition smuggled through by Private First Class Brooks, the men were able to hold the position during the day and fight their way out under cover of darkness. Private First Class Brooks’ 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 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.