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 [then Sergeant] Raimundo Rangel Salas (ASN: 38071719), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Elmendorf, Germany, on 15 and 16 October 1944. Staff Sergeant Salas and his crew engaged hostile infantry elements in a fierce, close range fire fight and succeeded in driving them off. Fearlessly placing his tank destroyer in an advantageous position he prepared to meet the expected assault of hostile armored units. When his vehicle was engaged by four enemy tanks and abandoned by the crew after being seriously hit, this intrepid soldier remounted and manned the 3-inch gun alone, disabled two of the hostile armored units and forced the other two to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Sallas’ gallant actions were instrumental in saving friendly foot troops from being overrun by the enemy tanks. His 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.