The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Albert Catanese (ASN: RA-33256410), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Catanese distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on at Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950. On this date Sergeant Catanese, a squad leader, was in a defensive position with his squad while undergoing a heavy attack by numerically superior enemy forces, supported by artillery and mortar fire. During this action Sergeant Catanese was seriously wounded in the left arm but refused to be evacuated. The enemy surrounded his unit on three sides and Sergeant Catanese ordered the withdrawal of his men and, without regard for his own personal safety, he remained in position to cover them. Despite his painful wound, he continued to direct accurate fire on the enemy, firing his rifle with one hand and reloading by holding the rifle between his knees. By his personal bravery he insured the safe withdrawal of his squad. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Catanese on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.