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 Private First Class Emil Stefek, Jr. (ASN: 33804139), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during a surprise attack on the German stronghold at Salles, France, on 23 November 1944. When an 88-millimeter gun fired on Private First Class Stefek’s platoon from a concealed position with he result that several casualties were caused, he left cover to locate and destroy the enemy weapon. Armed only with a rifle, he rushed ten yards through heavy enemy sniper fire and assumed a firing position behind the inadequate cover of a water fountain. As he 88-millimeter gun fired at him from a range of only 200 yards and a sniper’s bullet slightly wounded him in the wrist, Private First Class Stefek engaged the enemy and dispatched the 88-millimeter gun crew with his M-1 rifle. When he attempted to continue his lone battle, his rifle jammed. With a third German running toward the 88-millimeter gun to resume fire, Private First Class Stefek had no time to eliminate the stoppage. With only seconds to spare, he dashed to a Browning Automatic Rifleman, seized his weapon and returned with it to his position behind the fountain just as the German had completed loading and laying the 88-millimeter gun. One bust from Private First Class Stefek’s automatic rifle killed this new gunner as he was about to fire. Private First Class Stefek’s bold attack on a strong enemy position disorganized the remaining German force in the town. This enabled the temporarily halted troops to drive forward, eliminate all sniper resistance, capture large enemy stores and seize intact an elaborate trench and concrete pillbox system which the enemy had no time to man. Private First Class Stefek’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 and the United States Army.