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 Colonel Andre Georges Demetz, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces in France, on 9 October 1944. As commander of the 2d Tank Destroyer Regiment, First French Army, Colonel Demetz conceived and directed the execution of one of the most decisive actions in the Vosges Mountains campaign. Overcoming the difficulties of treacherous terrain and ferocious enemy resistance, he led a sweeping offensive which resulted in the liberation of the villages of Contrexard, Planois, and Trougemont and the vitally important Croix des Moinats Pass. Although wounded on 9 October in a bombardment of self-propelled guns, Colonel Demetz refused to be evacuated and remained at the head of his unit until success of the operations was assured. The gallant leadership and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Demetz reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.