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 Captain (Infantry) Carl Eugene Pister (ASN: 0-415195), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, from 6, 7, and 8 March 1945. After directing his men in a mopping-up of an enemy city, Captain Pister led his unit through a company which had become pinned down by enemy fire, and spearheaded the attack against the battalion objective. During the ensuing thirty-six hour battle, Captain Pister killed several of the enemy, captured five, engaged in a hand-to-hand tussle with an enemy soldier, overpowered an enemy machine gun position, rescued seven wounded and reorganized forward elements of another company as he reestablished his position for the final attack toward the objective. Captain Pister’s outstanding leadership, 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 and the United States Army.