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 Technician Fifth Grade Dennis E. Pingel (ASN: 37071217), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 147th Field Artillery Battalion, 158th Regimental Combat Team (Separate), attached to the 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 May 1944, near Maffin, Dutch New Guinea. When the enemy attacked our positions, a grenade was thrown into the trench occupied by Technician Pingel and two other men. Instantly, and with heroic self-sacrifice, he threw himself upon the grenade, smothering the explosion with his body. Technician Pingel thus gave his life to save his comrades. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.