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 Private First Class Fred Mortensen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 272d Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 April 1945, near Benterode, Germany. When his platoon was halted by heavy fire from dug-in machine gun positions, Private First Class Mortensen crawled forward under heavy fire and threw grenades into three machine gun positions, annihilating the occupants. With his grenade supply exhausted, he leaped to his feet and charged a fourth position, and though his rifle failed to fire, his aggressiveness caused the enemy to surrender without resistance. Throughout the entire action, Private First Class Mortensen displayed extraordinary heroism and superior qualities of courage and leadership. His extraordinary heroism, 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, the 69th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.