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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Max Milton Fitzpatrick (ASN: 0-1319406), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Vic-sur-Seille, France, on 8 November 1944. While his company was engaged in efforts to rout the Germans in house to house fighting, First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick was personally responsible for clearing a large area, killing three enemy soldiers in one room in hand-to-hand combat. His extraordinary heroism, 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 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    104th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    26th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1944
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 114 (December 21, 1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Max Milton Fitzpatrick (ASN: 0-1319406), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Vic-sur-Seille, France, on 8 November 1944. On that date Company C, attacking in conjunction with other units, was endeavoring to complete the occupation of the town of Vic-sur-Seille, in which the enemy was still occupying some defensive positions. First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick, commanding a platoon of Company C, voluntarily led a group of six men against the enemy-held building, inspiring the assaults in spite of intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire by his fearless leadership and coolness. Upon reaching the first building, First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick went from room to room in advance of his men searching out the enemy and in one of the rooms killed three of the enemy who were manning a machine gun at a window. He then led his men to the next building which was also strongly defended and upon entering one of the rooms was killed by enemy fire. First Lieutenant Fitzpatrick’s heroic actions and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.