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 Staff Sergeant Kazuo Masuda (ASN: 39166362), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 July 1944, near Molino A Ventoabbto and from 27 to 28 August 1944, on the Arno River near Florence, Italy. On 6 July 1944, while his advanced observation post was the target of heavy mortar and artillery barrages, Staff Sergeant Masuda crawled two hundred yards to the mortar section, secured a mortar tube and ammunition and returned to the observation post. Using his helmet as a base-plate, Staff Sergeant Masuda single-handedly directed effective fire upon the enemy for twelve hours, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing two major enemy counterattacks. On 27 – 28 August 1944, Staff Sergeant Masuda voluntarily led two men on a night patrol across the Arno River and through the heavily mined and booby-trapped north bank. Hearing movements to his right, he ordered his men to cover him while he crawled forward and discovered that a strong enemy force had surrounded them. Realizing that he was trapped, he ordered his men to withdraw while he boldly engaged two enemy automatic weapons. At the sacrifice of his life, he enabled his comrades to escape with valuable information which materially aided the successful crossing of the Arno River. The gallant heroism and selfless devotion to duty of Staff Sergeant Masuda exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.