Shelby R. Hord

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Shelby R. Hord (16084792), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 July 1943, approximately three miles southeast of Niscemi, Sicily. Private Hord, a machine gunner, alone and upon his own initiative, courageously advanced three hundred yards under intense machine gun and rifle fire toward an enemy machine gun position. From a distance of about fifty feet he threw four hand grenades into the position, then attacked the enemy with his carbine, killing four and wounding three. The enemy force was completely disorganized and routed, enabling his unit to advance and use the captured machine guns against the enemy. Private Hord’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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.