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 Edwin Curtis Mathues (ASN: 33136351), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 June 1944. During action near Cherbourg, France, Private Mathues accompanied his wire chief on a mission of repairing a vital communication line. When the enemy detected and opened fire upon his companion, this soldier, without thought of his own safety, fearlessly ran forward shouting and gesticulating in an effort to divert the enemy’s attention to himself. Private Mathues’ courageous action permitted the wire chief to reach a point of safety, but he himself was killed when the enemy directed their fire upon him. His conspicuous heroism and supreme, unselfish devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.