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 Staff Sergeant Raymond Forrest Kommer (ASN: 35242956), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 25 December 1944. Sergeant Kommer, a squad leader, moved ahead of his pinned-down squad in the face of artillery, mortar and machine gun fire toward enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved to within an arm’s length of the enemy machine gun position and when the enemy gunner momentarily halted his fire, Sergeant Kommer reached into the nest and pulled the gun from the gunner’s hands. This daringly courageous act so demoralized the enemy that they immediately retreated through their escape trenches. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Sergeant Kommer exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.