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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Bernard Emerson Karnap (ASN: 0-1703039), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company I, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 to 7 April 1945, in Germany. Second Lieutenant Karnap assumed command of the company when the commander’s boat was sunk while he was crossing the Rhine River to evacuate a beleaguered company. He organized the scattered groups and led them against the enemy positions with such superb courage and outstanding skill that the men of his command were greatly inspired. Second Lieutenant Karnap attacked with the forward elements and largely through his own Thompson sub-machine gun fire and forceful initiative eliminated six machine guns one by one. In the town, he killed seven of the enemy, helped destroy one tank and broke through a force of Germans to reach the survivors of a platoon who were isolated in a church. His magnificent bravery and aggressive tactics enabled the withdrawal by boat of the relieved personnel and his own men. He remained at the far shore fighting off all attacks until every man was safely away before crossing the river himself. Second Lieutenant Karnap personally killed at least twenty-five enemy troops, wounded many more, and accomplished this highly hazardous mission without loosing a man. The intrepidity, fortitude, initiative and loyalty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Karnap in the performance of his duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.