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 Major (Infantry) Lloyd Joseph Ptak, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Symphorien les Buttes Groucy, France, on 31 July 1944. When the Battalion which Major Ptak was commanding was subjected to intense fire from artillery and machine guns, he ordered one company to move off to the right and assault the objective from the flank. After fierce fighting, this company’s attack came to a halt. Major Ptak moved up to the front and saw that his men were beginning to withdraw under heavy enemy fire. He quickly reorganized his units and personally led them in a renewed assault to storm the enemy-held heights and capture the objective. Later in the day, when darkness had fallen and the night combat move of 31 July was getting under way, Major Ptak, again with utter disregard for his own safety, assumed the role of lead scout and called for his men to come with him, bolstering their spirits and improving their morale by his own courageous attitude. Three days later, while again leading an attack by his Battalion, he was struck and severely wounded by mortar fire. Before he would relinquish his command or permit himself to be evacuated, he made certain that his superiors and all members of his staff were fully acquainted with the situation and his plan of action. Major Ptak’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 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.