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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Fred W. Matz, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 24 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Reorganizing his mortar platoon into a rifle unit, Second Lieutenant Matz assisted the advance of an infantry company in an attack through a strongly defended enemy area. When they were temporarily halted by fire from machine gun emplacements, he advanced alone and knocked out these enemy emplacements with hand grenades. Wounded in this action, he nevertheless continued the attack with his platoon and reached his objective. Before he could consolidate his position, an enemy counterattack forced a withdrawal under heavy fire. Wounded again, Second Lieutenant Matz, after sending back the rest of his platoon, remained with one of his men who was so wounded that he could not walk. These two were behind enemy positions for eight days before they were able to regain our lines. Second Lieutenant Matz’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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.