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 Private First Class Eugene William Gronenthal (ASN: 39195198), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 59th Armored Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 12 April 1945. When his platoon had been pinned down by enemy fire, Private First Class Gronenthal, with total disregard for his personal safety, dashed across the fire-swept area to a point in the rear of the enemy emplacement, and firing his rifle he single-handedly forced eighteen Germans to surrender. In a subsequent action, Private First Class Gronenthal, although wounded, attacked a squad of enemy dug in along a hedgerow and killed or captured the entire group, thus allowing his platoon to advance and capture its objective. Private First Class Gronenthal’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 and the United States Army.