Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    394th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    99th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 16, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 16 (January 25, 1945)

    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 Technical Sergeant Eddie Dolenc (ASN: 38083443), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 1st Battalion, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1944, in Germany. Upon observing that the left flank position of his platoon had been cut off by the enemy, Technical Sergeant Dolenc made his way to the company command post where he secured a machine gun. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved toward the enemy and, under the covering fire of three comrades, mounted his weapon in plain view of the enemy. As the enemy advanced toward him, Technical Sergeant Dolenc heroically fired his machine gun in free traverse, killing or wounding an estimated thirty Germans and forcing the remainder to withdraw. During a lull in the firefight, Technical Sergeant Dolenc ordered his comrades to rejoin his platoon while he remained alone in his precarious position. The enemy launched a vicious assault upon him, but Technical Sergeant Dolenc remained steadfast and was last seen pouring a hail of bullets into the charging Germans. Sergeant Dolenc’s indomitable fighting spirit, great personal bravery and unflinching devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 99th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.