(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Staff Sergeant Ova Irving Madsen (ASN: 17116656), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 406th Infantry Regiment, 102d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 28 February 1945. Staff Sergeant Madsen was wounded when he advanced alone in an attempt to silence two enemy machine guns near Hardt. He succeeded in his self-appointed mission, however he was killed in this action. His extraordinary heroism and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.