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 Staff Sergeant Joseph F. Sefchick (ASN: 13020924), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 23 June 1944. Answering a call for volunteers when his platoon was cut off from the remainder of his unit during a night of infiltration deep in the enemy territory, Staff Sergeant Sefchick, armed with a sniper’s rifle, inched his way along hedgerows and ditches until he came to a point where he could observe four enemy snipers. Without disclosing his position, Sergeant Sefchick killed the snipers and then observed another enemy unit in progress of setting up an 88-mm. gun to fire point-blank at the crossroads occupied by his platoon. Crawling forward despite enemy fire, he reached a point from where he threw two hand grenades, killing the entire crew and putting the gun out of action. By his heroic action, Sergeant Sefchick saved the lives of many of his comrades and enabled his company to maintain its forward position until contact with the main body was regained. Staff Sergeant Sefchick’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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.