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 Staff Sergeant Frederick M. Peterson (ASN: 36600670), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 November 1944. During the assault on Fort Gambetta, France, the Commanding Officer of Company K, 377th Infantry was killed. Sergeant Peterson, a squad leader in the Company, quickly reorganized the troops around him and vigorously pursued the attack. During the fighting that ensured Sergeant Peterson repeatedly exposed himself to the intense, enemy fire, inspiring his men by his fearless leadership. He personally destroyed two enemy automatic weapon positions and later skillfully conducted an ordered withdrawal of his platoon. On 21 November Sergeant Peterson again distinguished himself by fearlessly leading a three-man patrol into an enemy-defended underground hospital installation in the Metz garrison, where the Commanding General of the Garrison was alleged to be. The patrol, under his intrepid leadership, fought their way to the installation, overpowered the guards at the entrance and took the general prisoner. Staff Sergeant Peterson’s outstanding heroism, many times displayed, his courageous, inspiring leadership and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.