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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Bernard T. Schaefer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 894th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Separate), FIFTH U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces at Carroceto, Italy, from 7 to 11 February 1944. In the fighting near Carroceto, heavy and repeated enemy attacks supported by armor forced the withdrawal of an Infantry unit which First Lieutenant Schaefer’s Tank Destroyer Platoon was supporting. First Lieutenant Schaefer climbed to an exposed position on the outside of his M-10 Tank Destroyer and engaged the enemy with machine gun fire, at the same time directing the fire of the anti-tank guns of his platoon on the advancing enemy, killing 40 and capturing 30. He then held his platoon in position and kept the enemy at bay, while friendly Infantry rallied and consolidated positions on a new line behind his platoon. He held this exposed position despite a steady hail of machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire for two days. During daylight on 11 February, First Lieutenant Schaefer again dauntlessly exposed himself to all types of small arms fire and grenade bursts in order to lead his men in close combat. His helmet was dented by a machine pistol bullet which stunned him temporarily, but he continued to fight doggedly, using every weapon at hand until only personal sides arms functioned; whereupon he withdrew merely to acquire another destroyer. First Lieutenant Schaefer’s sustained courage and aggressive leadership exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.