The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Francis Lee Mitchell (ASN: RA-18316966), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Mitchell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chung-nan, Korea, on 18 August 1950. On that date, one company of enemy moved through the left flank of the 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, in a heavy fog. Due to the extremely restricted visibility, they were not discovered until they were well within the defense perimeter of the 1st platoon of the Heavy Mortar Company. Immediately upon discovery, a fierce fire-fight broke out. The platoon leader attempted to close his men with the enemy but was unable to do so due to the devastating enemy fire. He then moved his platoon to the ridge in the rear overlooking the enemy. Private Mitchell, without regard for his own safety, left his squad, went to his truck in the enemy area, obtained a Browning Automatic Rifle, and returned to the ridge. At this time the enemy commenced delivering devastating fire with a .50 caliber machine-gun which was captured during the action. This gun was located high on the ridge and permitted the enemy to deliver cross-fire on the platoon. The enemy meanwhile moved approximately one platoon into position and began delivering accurate fire from a third position. The platoon leader again moved the platoon to a position five hundred yards in the rear. Private Mitchell, with an extraordinary display of heroism, remained on the hill holding the enemy at bay with his Browning Automatic Rifle. Although caught in a withering cross fire and faced with a frontal assault, he held the position, killing numerous enemy. Several enemy reached grenade distance but with calm courage Private Mitchell delivered accurate fire until his ammunition was expended. He again went into the enemy ranks, fought his way to his truck, secured a light machine-gun, and was attempting to open fire at the enemy when he was killed. The military action of Private Mitchell enabled the platoon to reorganize into an effective force and retake the position. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class Mitchell on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.