Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Medical Detachment, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army (Medical Detachment, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army)

Melvin A. Lein, 20707266, Private First Class, Medical Detachment, 135th Infantry. For extra heroism in action. On 8 November 1942, in the city of Algiers, Algeria, Private First Class Lein distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. During the initial assault on the city, he was informed of the location of a wounded officer of his organization, but was told he would have to subject himself to heavy machine gun fire in order to reach the officer. With utter disregard for his own safety, he went to the officer and rendered emergency treatment. Private First Class Lain then started back to his post, but was killed by enemy machine gun fire. His valiant action and devotion to duty set a high example to all his comrades.

Allied Force Headquarterss, General Orders No. 29 (1942).