(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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leo Frederick Reinartz, Jr. (ASN: 0-1013163), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with a Tank Company of the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 11, 13, and 27 November 1944. An Infantry officer, First Lieutenant Reinartz commanded a tank platoon near Limon and was instrumental in knocking out some of the most stubborn enemy defenses. On 11 November 1944, despite the fact that he had no Infantry protection because they were unable to follow due to mines and intense enemy fire, he attacked a deeply dug-in position consisting of automatic weapons and 77-mm. howitzers and led his tanks over a mined road into the enemy lines. Keeping his head exposed outside the protection of the lead tank to better observe the enemy and direct his tank’s fire, he directed the destruction of the Japanese emplacements. When it came time to return to American lines, he saw one tank stuck in the bud and not responding to radio calls. Disregarding the risk, he left the protection of his tank and went to the aid of the disabled tank, successfully withdrawing it with the rest of his platoon. On 13 November, now a tank company commander, Lieutenant Reinartz led his tanks forward along a narrow trail on foot under direct Japanese fire, so they could reach the front lines and assist the embattled infantry. He also led a group of combat engineers to remove the mines blocking the trail. On 27 November, when one of his platoons was advancing, First Lieutenant Reinartz noticed a heavy Japanese barrage falling ahead of them and tried to contact the platoon to warn them of the danger. When they did not respond, he again went forward alone, on foot, to contact the endangered platoon. The enemy, firing heavy 150-mm. guns, pounded the area into which the platoon was advancing, and shortly after he reached the platoon and warned them to seek protection, First Lieutenant Reinartz was killed by enemy shrapnel. First Lieutenant Reinartz’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 and the United States Army.