Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    413th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    104th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 23, 1945

    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 492 (November 19, 1945)

    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 Staff Sergeant Vincent Stephen Rohay (ASN: 37395054), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Duren, Germany, on 23 February 1945. During a difficult attack operation across a flooded river, Sergeant Rohay single-handedly knocked out three enemy machine gun nests, which included a pill-box and three groups of entrenched enemy riflemen. Skillfully using his automatic rifle and hand grenades, he engaged in several hand-to-hand struggles, killing at least fifteen and taking fourteen prisoners. Staff Sergeant Rohay’s fearless leadership, 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 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.