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 First Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service) Andre N. Laus (ASN: 0-353944), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 83d Chemical Mortar Battalion (Separate) Chemical Warfare Service, in action against enemy forces on 29 August 1944 near Brianon, France. When his company’s defensive position was attacked by a superior enemy force, Lieutenant Laus climbed through intense machine gun fire to an exposed position from which he directed effective mortar fire on the enemy troops, temporarily halting their advance. Taking advantage of this situation, Lieutenant Laus obtained a light machine gun and crawled back to his observation post where, despite intense fire, raking machine gun and mortar fire, he succeeded in destroying twenty of the hostile force. When enemy fire finally hit his ammunition belt causing a jam in the gun, Lieutenant Laus, displaying distinguished bravery, seized a rifle and inflicted substantial casualties among the advancing enemy. Ordered by the forces commander to withdraw along a road, which was under heavy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Laus volunteered to make the initial advance to determine the safety of the road. After advancing about two hundred yards he was killed by enemy machine gun fire. Lieutenant Laus’ heroic sacrifice and courageous leadership served as a lasting impression to his men and reflects the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.