(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Staff Sergeant Edward A. Patynski (ASN: 33145902), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 4 September 1944. Staff Sergeant Patynski led two machine gun crews in an engagement against approximately 1,000 enemy soldiers supported by German tanks. For two hours his section poured machine gun fire upon the steadily advancing enemy troops. Staff Sergeant Patynski remained steadfast at his post, firing his own weapon, until he was forced to surrender at the point of a German bayonet, following which he was severely beaten by the enemy and forced to march through a gauntlet, where, for no apparent reason, the prisoner behind him was summarily shot to death. Defiantly, Staff Sergeant Patynski informed his captors that, by the following day, they would become his prisoners. The following morning he was rescued by his comrades, and 700 German soldiers were captured. Staff Sergeant Patynski’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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.