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 Nicholas C. Stefanoski (ASN: 13055945), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 and 15 March 1944. During an enemy attack on Bougainville, Solomon Islands, the Japanese has succeeded in digging in near protective wire in front of pillboxes occupied by an infantry company. On 15 March an attack was launched by an infantry platoon, supported by tanks, for the purpose of driving the enemy back and repairing the wire entanglements. About a half hour after the attack had started, a light tank was put out of action about 75 yards ahead of the front line by an anti-tank mine which blew off its right track and started a fire in the underside of the tank. Seeing that the tank was damaged, the enemy increased their fire in its direction and started advancing toward it with rifle grenades. Heavy mortar fire was also placed on the tank and four mortar shells exploded nearby. By his intrepid actions, Sergeant Stefanoski was able to rescue the four members of the tank crew. He provided the only cover for the men who were unarmed except for the tank commander’s pistol and one sub-machine gun. Sergeant Stefanoski crouched near the tank, firing his rifle at the enemy who were only 20 yards away, while the tank crew escaped to safety. Staff Sergeant Stefanoski’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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.