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 Captain (Infantry) Frank Edward Petty (ASN: 0-415785), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 3 to 5 April 1945, in Germany. When his company came upon a heavily defended wooded area, Captain Petty, ignoring the hail of small arms fire, led his men to capture fifty-two and kill twenty-six of the defenders. Continuing the advance o the next day, the company was halted by an enemy tank. Captain Petty voluntarily went forward to attack the tank with a captured Panzerfaust and scored a direct hit on the front slope plate, forcing the tank to withdraw. During an enemy counterattack that evening, he called for artillery fire, thereby breaking up the attack. He then reorganized his troops to meet the second attack which was launched early on the next morning by two enemy rifle companies and five tanks. Two tanks penetrated to within fifty yards of an important crossroad before being knocked out. Although the second tank was disabled, Captain Petty realized that the 75-mm. gun was still intact and capable of firing upon his troops. Disregarding the enemy fire, he went forward and dropped smoke and fragmentation grenades into the turret. This outstanding gallantry in the face of superior enemy forces was an inspiration to his men. Captain Petty’s outstanding leadership, 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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.