Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company E, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division "Wild West Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

January 6th, 1945

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Francis G. Ambrose (ASN: 19171861), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 September 1944, near La Costa, Italy. When his platoon encountered deadly enemy machine gun fire, Staff Sergeant Ambrose, alone and voluntarily, crossed an open field toward the hostile weapon. Engaging the enemy with accurate rifle fire, he wounded the German leader. Continuing his advance while the enemy made a concerted attempt to kill him, Staff Sergeant Ambrose wounded a second German and forced the remaining four to surrender. Later, when his platoon received heavy machine gun fire during an enemy counterattack, Staff Sergeant Ambrose again moved forward to eliminate the menace. Crawling one hundred yards to an advantageous position, he killed three Germans and silenced their machine gun in a brief fire fight. He was mortally wounded by a sniper's bullet while returning to his platoon. The daring, intrepidity and sheer determination of Staff Sergeant Ambrose were vital factors in his platoon's success, and his inspiring actions exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 4, 6 January 1945.