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 Private First Class Walter Anthony Tatko (ASN: 33796646), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Begude, France, on 27 August 1944. At 0800 hours on 27 August 1944, near Begude, France, Private First Class Tatko voluntarily ran and crawled three hundred and forth yards through intense machine gun fire and mortar concentrations. Despite shells which exploded ten yards away, he took several bazooka shells to an exposed position and loaded the bazooka of a comrade, knocking out an enemy half-track. With only one rocket left, he remained at his post and destroyed at forty yards range an enemy tank which charged him with both machine guns blazing. Setting both half-track and tank afire and killing eight Germans, Private First Class Tatko saved an infantry platoon from destruction. Private First Class Tatko’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, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.