Patrick F. Cassidy

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Patrick F. Cassidy (0-351262), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 June 1944, in France. Lieutenant Colonel Cassidy’s battalion was committed to the assault of Carentan. To accomplish the mission it was necessary to cross a narrow bridge. When the battalion was held up at the bridge, Lieutenant Colonel Cassidy came up to the bridge and despite intense machine gun and mortar fire directed a movement across. He then led his battalion in an assault up a narrow causeway, continually exposing himself to heavy enemy fire. When his artillery liaison officer became a casualty, he, through his command radio net, directed artillery fire upon a German machine gun nest that was holding up the advance. Lieutenant Colonel Cassidy’s outstanding 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 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.