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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Stephen Wayne Losten (ASN: 0-1794963), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, during the period of 19 July to 5 August 1943. On 19 July Lieutenant Losten led his platoon in a wide envelopment of an enemy strongpoint that was holding up the advance guard of the battalion. Moving through dense jungles, infested with enemy snipers, his unit closed with the enemy, wiped out two hostile machine gun crews, and located other positions that were subsequently destroyed by 81-mm. mortar fire. He then withdrew his platoon without loss. On 29 July Lieutenant Losten, being an ex-artilleryman, crawled to within 100 yards of an enemy position and registered in an artillery concentration while exposed to constant small arms and mortar fire. On another occasion he led a two-squad patrol to an ambush on a Japanese supply trail, killed two of the enemy, reported a hostile force bivouacked in the area, and then directed an artillery barrage by phone that routed them completely. His personal courage and brilliant leadership was an inspiration to those who followed him. Lieutenant Losten’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 1 & 2, 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 276 (1945)

    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 Captain (Infantry) Steven Wayne Losten (ASN: 0-1794963), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 1 and 2 February 1945, in the vicinity of Luzon, Philippine Islands. Captain Losten commanded an Infantry Company whose objective was the town of Plaridel. Sending one rifle platoon along the north bank of the Quinga River to a crossroad near the objective, he led the remainder of the company along the south bank toward Plaridel. When his advance elements were halted by sniper fire on three successive occasions, he personally went forward, skillfully directed the elimination of the enemy riflemen, and enabled the company to continue its advance. The leading elements were within 2,000 yards of the town when they were again checked by heavy enemy mortar, machine gun and rifle fire from well-fortified emplacements. Employing machine guns for covering fire, Captain Losten personally led an assault on the enemy fortifications, and directed a rocket launcher in destroying one pillbox. Under heavy fire from the other strongpoints he personally directed artillery and mortar fire until dark. He then established a well organized defensive position, and during the hours of darkness, repulsed several enemy attempts at infiltration. The next morning he again directed artillery and mortar fire on the enemy and, when the barrage ceased, led his men in a bayonet charge. Inspired by his courageous leadership, the company rushed the pillboxes, caught the enemy unprepared, and destroyed them. Captain Losten, through his inspiring and courageous leadership and his extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger, was in great part responsible for driving the enemy from Plaridel, for capturing the town, and for securing the left flank of the infantry division moving forward against the enemy. Captain Losten’s inspiring leadership, 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 and the United States Army.