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 Anthony L. Markovich (ASN: 33399546), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 61st Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Palzem, Germany, on 20 February 1945. During an attack against an armed enemy, Private First Class Markovich’s squad was pinned down by intense hostile machine gun fire from a nearby building. With fearless disregard for his own safety, advancing through the withering enemy fire, and hurled a grenade at the position. After being knocked to the ground and seriously wounded by hostile small arms fire, he gallantly rose to his feet and destroyed the emplacement with another grenade. Private First Class Markovich’s self-sacrificing actions enabled his squad to accomplish its mission. His dauntless courage and supreme devotion to duty will live on as an inspiration to his comrades. Private First Class Markovich’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous 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.