The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant James T. Semradek (ASN: 36618573), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 778th Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 18 February 1945. During an attack against fortifications of Saar-Lautern-Roden, Germany, Sergeant Semradek directed his tank against a group of buildings to eliminate heavy sniper fire. A dense fog prevented periscope sighting and he boldly directed the action from the turret. A sniper’s bullet grazed his cheek and another knocked the helmet from his head but he fearlessly continued on until the buildings were demolished. As he maneuvered into another position the tank was hit and damaged by rocket fire. To save the vehicle he dismounted and by hand signals guided the driver through intense mortar and artillery fire to a place of cover. The fearless, inspiring leadership Sergeant Semradek displayed and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.