Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Joseph Pustelnik (ASN: 0-2006432), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 4 March 1945. While leading his platoon in an assault on a fortified building, Second Lieutenant Pustelnik was mortally wounded thirty yards before the objective was reached. The assault wavered before the enemy’s fierce fire. Seeing what was taking place, Second Lieutenant Pustelnik called upon his faltering comrades to renew their attack. His voice was heard by the enemy who, sensing the leadership still exercised by him, concentrated fire on his prone figure. His defiance had already invoked a fierce determination in his men and they charged forward to completely overwhelm the enemy. Second Lieutenant Pustelnik’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 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    379th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    95th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 4, 1945

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 221 (June 12, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Joseph Pustelnik (ASN: 0-2006432), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 4 March 1945. Second Lieutenant Pustelnik’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 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.