Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

160th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army (160th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army)

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald E. Knowlton, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 160th Field Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 16 February 1944, in the vicinity of Carroceta, Italy. First Lieutenant Knowlton conducted artillery fire from an observation post on the outpost line of an infantry battalion. The outpost was attacked by enemy tanks and infantry and was forced to withdraw. First Lieutenant Knowlton refused to take cover and remained in position to adjust artillery fire on the advancing enemy. Through his efforts effective fire was brought to bear on the hostile force. The enemy assault advanced to a point within thirty yards of his position. First Lieutenant Knowlton simultaneously adjusted artillery fire and fired at enemy troops with his carbine, killing at least two of the enemy. During the assault he was critically wounded when struck in the head by machine pistol fire, but his accurate direction of artillery broke up the enemy threat, forcing the enemy to withdraw and reorganize. First Lieutenant Knowlton'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.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (1944).