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 Sergeant Matthew Lukasik, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop C, 24th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 4th Cavalry Group (Separate), SEVENTH U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces near Sulzhyn, Germany, on 13 April 1945. During an attack on strong enemy positions, Sergeant Lukasik personally destroyed an enemy machine gun nest, capturing four occupants and killing two. Then, despite painful wounds and loss of blood, he single-handedly attacked the enemy with rifle grenades and small arms fire, breaking up an incipient counter-attack and permitting the orderly regrouping of friendly forces to his rear. Sergeant Lukasik’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.