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 Corporal Walter William Mathis (ASN: 38063663), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery A, 344th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 January 1945, in Luxembourg. During a determined enemy attack near Oberwampach, Luxembourg, Corporal Mathis on two occasions, completely disregarding his own safety, advanced through intense fire, beyond the infantry, and laid a communication line to exposed observation posts. The wire was cut several times by shellfire, and each time the courageous soldier, unhesitatingly, braved the heavy fire to repair the line and maintain vital communications. Later he established radio communications, and although painfully wounded, continued at his post in the midst of a concentration of enemy artillery and mortar fire and coolly transmitted fire commands until the enemy attack was repulsed. Corporal Mathis’ heroic determination, initiative and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.