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 Eugene Soto (ASN: 32092496), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 50th Armored Engineer Combat Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 6 January 1945. On that date, in the vicinity of Bizory, Belgium, Private Soto was the first gunner of a machine gun platoon holding a section of the line that was subjected to repeated enemy counterattacks. He heroically remained at his gun inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy who on one occasion advanced to within twenty yards of his position. When enemy tanks closed in on his position he stood his ground until he was killed at his gun by direct tank fire. Private First Class Soto’s courage lives on as an inspiration to his comrades. His fearless determination and supreme 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.