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 Second Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Joseph Gorniak, Jr. (ASN: 0-2047997), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Officer with Company B, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Mertain, France, on 7 August 1944. On that date, Second Lieutenant Gorniak’s unit was in action against German forces while on the move to close the Falaise Pocket. During the move from La Chevalee to Ambrieres-les-Vallees, France, the Litter Platoon of Company B moved after the balance of the Company, and in the vicinity of Mortain, the vehicles transporting the personnel were fired upon by a German patrol. Although the men in the trucks were wearing Geneva Convention Brassards on their arms, the Germans threw several concussion grenades into and around the vehicles and cut loose with machine pistol fire, killing 2 men, wounding one officer and 6 enlisted men. Second Lieutenant Gorniak and Sergeant Ralph J. Hogan managed to evacuate the wounded and the vehicles, and withdrew to a place of safety. A nearby Infantry unit was notified of the enemy presence. Following the incident, the wounded were evacuated to the nearby Battalion Aid Stations, and the Platoon reformed. In spite of a severe eye injury, Second Lieutenant Gorniak refused to be evacuated and took charge of the convoy, re-routing several times until he found the remainder of Company B. Second Lieutenant Gorniak’s outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.