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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leon August Rennebaum (ASN: 0-1822055), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Separate), FIRST U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces on 16 and 17 September 1944, in Germany. In a stubborn engagement with superior enemy forces attempting to encircle a hill held by our troops, First Lieutenant Rennebaum risked his life on innumerable occasions to bring effective fire from his Tank Destroyers in support of the Infantry. Time and time again, he braved devastating enemy artillery fire, moving on foot to forward elements of the Infantry and to his Tank Destroyer units to direct their fire upon the enemy. When three of his Destroyers were disabled, First Lieutenant Rennebaum coolly and calmly supervised their evacuation under fire and personally returned to the scene of action to recover a remaining vehicle. On another occasion, he courageously drove to the crest of a hill subjected to heavy artillery and mortar fire, and, from his exposed position, single-handedly poured a hail of machine gun fire into attacking hostile troops, forcing them to retreat. First Lieutenant Rennebaum’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.