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 Captain (Infantry) Robert Henry Bertsch (ASN: 0-391384), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding Company A, 1st Battalion, 417th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Luxembourg, from 7 to 9 February 1945. On 7 February 1945, Captain Bertsch led his company across the swollen Sauer River into the Siegfried Line defenses against fierce enemy resistance, and there held his position although completely isolated and surrounded for two days. He was constantly in the thick of the fighting, inspiring and encouraging his men by his courage and fearless determination. On 9 February 1945, he slipped through the enemy lines to deliver vital information to his Battalion Commander, and while returning to his command post was fatally wounded. Captain Bertsch’s heroic leadership and supreme 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 76th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.