(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Stephen Christopher Ludlam (ASN: 42081753), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Ostheim, France, on 23 January 1945. Private First Class Ludlam’s company was caught in an open, snow-covered field, facing automatic fire from the Germans at close range. Thirty of the company’s men were initially killed, and Private First Class Ludlam survive with seven men, who then advanced the attack. Badly outnumbered and out-armed, Private First Class Ludlam came to s stop in an exposed sitting position and continued to battle the enemy, against insurmountable odds, for 45 minutes; the enemy at times coming within 25 yards of his position. Still, inexplicably, he was credited with saving the lives of others by somehow silencing an enemy machine gun battery and killing seven German soldiers before he was himself, killed by enemy fire. Private First Class Ludlam’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.