James C. Muth

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James C. Muth, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on 10 July 1943, in Sicily. When his landing craft was beached in rough and deep water, Lieutenant Muth swam ashore with full equipment and under heavy fire. He returned to the water to rescue two soldiers and one sailor. He then crawled up a 40-foot cliff and fired on a machine gun nest containing 12 Italians and 2 Germans. Second Lieutenant Muth’s intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.