(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 Sergeant Edwin George Masching (ASN: 36366180), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Lavelline Le Houx, France, on 4 October 1944, in France. On the left of the Second Battalion, the third Battalion contacted the enemy near houses at the western base of Hill 808. Although the Germans laid a sizable concentration of artillery on the Third Battalion area, Companies L and I advanced abreast to the base of Hill 808 into approximately one hundred and fifty entrenched enemy. While Company L momentarily withdrew, Cannon Company poured in a twelve-minute barrage. Immediately Company L and other Third Battalion units advanced and seized Hill 808. As members of Sergeant Masching’s patrol attempted to move to the rear, enemy fire was concentrated on them. Sergeant Masching rushed toward one of the enemy firing positions firing his tommy gun as he ran, enabling the balance of the patrol to withdraw. Sergeant Masching’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, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.