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 Raymond Groden, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Kogenheim, France, on the morning of 2 December 1944. Sergeant Groden charged a formidable roadblock, defended by three machine guns, and, at fifteen yards range, knocked out two guns and killed three of the enemy with M-1 rifle fire. Assaulting the enemy Command Post, he advanced through blistering automatic fire, which pierced his raincoat, entrenching tool cover and bandolier, to kill four Germans. Shattering another machine gun position and capturing four mortars, Sergeant Groden and his fellow scouts killed twelve of the enemy, captured two, disintegrated all hostile resistance, and seized the Battalion objective. Sergeant Groden’s 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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.