Curtis Colwell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Curtis Colwell (6662084), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Under the heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire of the enemy, Staff Sergeant Colwell fearlessly cut a gap in the wire. He then led his section through this gap in the wire and through the mine field beyond the wire. As his section approached its objective it came under fierce enemy machine gun fire. Completely ignoring his own safety, Staff Sergeant Colwell led his section in a successful assault upon the machine gun position. Staff Sergeant Colwell’s determined leadership, 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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.