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), [then Technical Sergeant] Steven M. Kosmyna, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 September 1944, on Mount Della Croce, Italy. While advancing in the attack against Mount Della Croce, Second Lieutenant Kosmyna and his platoon became separated from the remainder of the company because of a driving rain and poor visibility. Leading his men to the base of the mountain before the arrival of the other platoons, he decided to attack immediately. Advancing up the hill, the platoon met intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire which forced the men to seek cover. Braving fierce enemy fire, Second Lieutenant Kosmyna assaulted an enemy machine gun position. Throwing a hand grenade into the nest, he jumped into the gun emplacement, killed two Germans and seriously wounded the remaining member of the crew with rifle fire. Next, observing two enemy soldiers occupying a sanger, Second Lieutenant Kosmyna ran toward this position. One of the Germans fled, but the other threw a hand grenade at Second Lieutenant Kosmyna. The grenade struck him in the face, momentarily stunning him, but fell to the ground without exploding. The German soldier then attempted to bayonet him, but Second Lieutenant Kosmyna parried the lunge and killed his opponent with a rifle bullet. The courage, inspiring leadership and combat skill exhibited by Second Lieutenant Kosmyna instilled in his men the offensive spirit necessary for driving the enemy from Mount Della Croce. His 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 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.