The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Peter Kubina, Jr. (ASN: 33704137), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1944, at Mount Altuzzo, Italy. After his platoon had assaulted two enemy bunkers on the reverse slope of a hill, Private Kubina assumed a position from which he could fire on the enemy bunkers and protect the right flank of his platoon. During the ensuing fire fight he killed four of the enemy. Learning of an impending enemy counterattack, his platoon withdrew to prepared positions while Private Kubina voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal with his automatic rifle. Making his way to an abandoned German machine gun nest, Private Kubina opened fire as the enemy launched the counterattack. While enemy bullets struck the ground around him, he calmly fired his weapon, killing four and wounding six of the enemy to disrupt the German ranks. The attack repulsed, Private Kubina made his way to an abandoned bunker. Here he met another soldier and together they entered the fortified position. While they were destroying enemy equipment, a German soldier walked into the bunker. Whirling around, Private Kubina attempted to fire his weapon, but the piece jammed. Hurling his automatic rifle at the surprised German, Private Kubina grabbed an enemy machine pistol from the floor and killed his opponent. Rushing to the door of the bunker, Private Kubina killed a second enemy soldier. Leaving the position, he and his comrade were attacked by eight enemy soldiers firing automatic weapons. Private Kubina and his companion returned the fire so effectively that the Germans were forced to retire. The courage and determination displayed by Private Kubina are exemplary of the finest traditions of the American Soldier.