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 Private First Class Joseph Martin Schallmoser (ASN: 36645880), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Kottingen, Germany, on the night of 23 March 1945. In the face of fierce enemy resistance from well-prepared positions on wooded and commanding terrain, Private First Class Schallmoser made his way back approximately 1300 yards to Stockhousen, Germany, fearlessly disregarding the overwhelming storm of enemy artillery, mortar, Panzerfaust, and machine gun fire in order to secure tank support for his company. Private First Class Schallmoser then alone rode a tank over the same perilous route, guiding it to his company commander’s position. Fire from the tank succeeded in reducing the enemy Panzerfaust and small arms fire enough to enable the company to resume the advance. When the platoon commander became a casualty, Private First Class Schallmoser assumed command of the group and with undaunting courage in the face of withering enemy fire, rushed forward shouting commands and exhorting his comrades in the most spirited manner. Under this skillful and extraordinarily aggressive leadership, the enemy was completely routed, and the woods cleared without a casualty. The brilliant leadership, aggressiveness and intrepid gallantry of Private First Class Schallmoser enabled the company to take the town of Kottingen with the fewest possible casualties. His self-assigned actions far above and beyond the normal call of duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.