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 Corporal Joseph James Jusek (ASN: 35023015), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 September 1944, in the vicinity of Nijmegen, Holland. Corporal Jusek was in charge of a light machine gun when the right flank of Company E was fiercely attacked by approximately two companies of infantry supported by artillery, mortars, and five tanks. Despite heavy artillery and mortar fire falling near his position, Corporal Jusek, disregarding his own safety, continued to expose himself so as to direct effective fire on the oncoming infantry. Presently, tanks appeared on the scene to support the forward movement of the enemy foot troops, and one enemy tank moved within 200 yards of Corporal Jusek’s position. The first volley of fire from the tank scored a near hit on his position, disabling the other three members of his gun crew and causing Corporal Jusek to suffer painful lacerations about the face and shoulder. Despite the acute pain of his wounds, Corporal Jusek refused to evacuate his position and continued to deliver effective fire on the enemy. He remained in position for approximately two hours, during which time he continually laid down fire against the foe. By his unselfish conduct, unstinting devotion to duty, and indomitable courage, Corporal Jusek set an inspiring example for all those who witnessed his heroic actions, and his 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.