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 First Class Orel Henry Lev (ASN: 39252131), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in action against enemy forces on 23 September 1944, at Veghel, Holland. On that date, Private First Class Lev’s platoon was protecting the left flank of the defense when the enemy attacked that flank with three half-tracks, one Mark IV tank, and infantry troops. The platoon was forced to withdraw, after suffering heavy casualties, but Private First Class Lev elected to remain and cover the withdrawal of the platoon. Although exposed to heavy enemy fire, he fired his rocket launcher at the leading half-track and killed four of the enemy. At this time, the fire from the tank became a very serious threat to the withdrawing platoon, since its fire was being directed by the commander from an open turret. Realizing this, Private First Class Lev killed the tank commander and halted the advance of the tank. He then returned and gave invaluable information to friendly artillery whose effective fire disrupted the enemy attack. In a later action, while moving his machine gun to a better position in order to deliver effective fire on the enemy, he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Lev’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.