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 Abraham Matza (ASN: 32983757), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 289th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 6 January 1945. Machine guns and automatic weapons firing from well camouflaged positions opened up on a ten-man advance element of Private Matza’s platoon, killing one of the members. Firing his automatic rifle at an enemy machine gun nest, Private Matza charged into a hail of bullets and had his gun shot from his hands. Despite his wounded hand, he quickly returned, seized another weapon, and resumed firing. As his comrades withdrew he ignored their requests for him to follow, but chose to cover their withdrawal, diverting enemy fire until he was killed. Private First Class Matza’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, the 75th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.