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 Captain (Armor) George Pete Soumas (ASN: 0-1011146), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 14th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 7 March 1945. Upon reaching the Rhine River, Captain Soumas placed his tanks in commanding positions and, while exposed to intense hostile fire, directed effective tank fire upon enemy emplacements on the opposite bank, thus covering the crossing of the Ludendorf railroad bridge by friendly forces. That night, despite the extreme darkness and the fact that the strength of the bridge was unknown, Captain Soumas dismounted from his tank, and in the face of heavy artillery, small arms, and 20-mm. gun fire, personally led his company of tanks across the span. By his personal bravery and courageous leadership, Captain Soumas made a substantial contribution to the exploitation of the bridgehead, thus reflecting great credit upon himself and the military service.