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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Frederick Rau (ASN: 0-1176774), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 274th Armored Field Artillery Battalion (Separate), THIRD U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 26 December 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Rau was observing and adjusting artillery fire from his tank against the enemy-held town of Honville, Belgium. When heavy counterfire was directed against him he courageously held his ground and continued his fire direction with such effect that all the enemy artillery was silenced. Lieutenant Rau then maneuvered his tank into the enemy line, and when a large number of German infantry were encountered he and his crew inflicted heavy casualties among them. The courage displayed by Second Lieutenant Rau, and his determination and heroic devotion to duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.