Richard F. Linn

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard F. Linn, Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 324th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 24 October 1944, in the vicinity of Embermenil, France. Although seriously wounded when his organization was subjected to an unusually heavy artillery and mortar barrage, Technician Fifth Grade Linn, with utter disregard for his own life, coupled with unusual presence of mind, administered first aid to his wounded comrades. He refused to be evacuated until another aid man could take his place and thus remained with his platoon all night administering to their needs. Technician Fifth Grade Linn’s admirable courage and exemplary devotion to duty were an inspiration to his officers and fellow soldiers and were decisive factors in the maintenance of control and in bolstering the morale of his platoon during its initial engagement with the enemy. Technician Fifth Grade Linn’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, the 44th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.