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 Francis T. Chase, Jr. (ASN: 32942130), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 December 1944, in Germany. When his company was pinned down by intense enemy automatic rifle and cannon fire, Private First Class Chase raced across fifty yards of open, fire-swept terrain and gained the entrance to a large factory. Moving from window to window, he placed devastating rocket fire upon the hostile positions, permitting his company to occupy the building without casualties. As an enemy self-propelled gun advanced and placed point-blank direct fire upon the structure, Private First Class Chase occupied an exposed position outside the building and fired two rockets into the enemy vehicle. The weapon fired directly at Private First Class Chase, painfully wounding him. Despite his wounds, he continued to fire and forced the vehicle to withdraw. A second self-propelled gun approached, followed by foot troops. Firing his rocket launcher, Private First Class Chase forced the vehicle back, then fired upon the attacking infantry, inflicting severe casualties and halting the assault. Private First Class Chase’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 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.