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 Corporal Walter J. Bednarz (ASN: 20109683), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1944, in Holland. Corporal Bednarz, as leader of a squad of eight men, was given the mission of establishing and defending a roadblock at important road junction at Beek, Holland. A patrol of 18 German parachutists armed with machine guns and machine pistols attacked and attempted to destroy the position. Corporal Bednarz, upon seeing that he could not fire on this patrol without endangering the lives of a group of civilians directly between his position and the enemy, without regard for his own safety, leapt from his dug-in position and rushed to meet the oncoming enemy. At point blank range he sprayed the attackers with submachine gun fire. His action in single-handedly attacking a vastly superior enemy force in such a manner required the highest type of courage. The unhesitating action of Corporal Bednarz in a critical and unusual situation saved the lives of a number of innocent persons, rendered a most distinguished service by the destruction of an unknown number of enemy and strengthened the security of the position. Corporal Bednarz was killed in this action. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.