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 Technical Sergeant Fred Danks Steelman (ASN: 35717109), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Troisbots, France, on 28 and 29 July 1944. Technical Sergeant Steelman was acting as platoon leader in an advance against the enemy. When his platoon was held up by two enemy tanks protected by foot personnel, and at least two machine guns, he assumed the position of lead scout and again attempted to advance to a hedgerow. The machine guns covering the hedgerow poured withering fire through gaps in the hedgerow forcing him and his men back. Five times Technical Sergeant Steelman led his men forward, only to be forced to withdraw when enemy action threatened to annihilate his platoon. Realizing that the enemy machine guns must be eliminated, Technical Sergeant Steelman deliberately crossed a gap in the hedgerow twice and exposed himself, drawing enemy fire upon himself so that his men might determine the exact location of the enemy weapons. Technical Sergeant Steelman’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 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.