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 Private First Class Loren Earl Rowland (ASN: 37347450), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 395th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 27 April 1945. On that date, during an assault crossing of the Danube River near Marching, Germany, Private Rowland’s company was subjected to intense hostile fire which held the boat to which he was assigned against the near shore. With fearless courage he seized an automatic rifle and with utter disregard for his own safety stood in an exposed position and returned the enemy fire. His heroic, unselfish action cost him his life but diverted the enemy’s fire. His heroic, unselfish action cost him his life but diverted the enemy’s attention and enabled his comrades to withdraw to safety. Private First Class Rowland’s gallantry and supreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.