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 Donald Lee Parta (ASN: 36577674), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 393d Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in Germany. On 10 April 1945, during an attack on Halberbracht, Germany, Private Parta, acting as first scout of his platoon, was fired upon by an enemy machine gun as he entered the town. With dauntless courage he advanced through direct hostile fire to kill the enemy gunner and wound his assistant. He then charged the position and captured six other enemy soldiers before they could man the gun. Private Parta’s heroic, aggressive actions enabled his company to continue their advance. His gallantry and indomitable fighting spirit are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.