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 Sergeant Robert Lee Chudej (ASN: 20808018), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 December 1943, at Mount Summucro, Italy. From his dug-in position, Sergeant Chudej observed the movements of the enemy in launching a vicious counterattack against his battalion. With complete disregard for his own life, he quickly secured ten volunteers, and skillfully deployed them along a ridge overlooking the enemy. Ammunition and grenades were urgently needed, and Sergeant Chudej made two hazardous trips for these supplies. He then ordered his men to attack and led his group forward under heavy small arms and machine gun fire. By expert use of hand grenades and employment of small arms fire his group repulsed the counterattack and routed the enemy. Under Sergeant Chudej’s courageous leadership, the small group captured an enemy officer and seventeen enlisted men. Sergeant Chudej’s aggressive leadership and heroism under fire were an inspiration to all who witnessed his intrepid performance and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.