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 Colonel (General Staff Corps) Irving Rudolph Schimmelpfennig (ASN: 0-18046), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, 11th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces near Las Pinas, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 4 February 1945. With utter disregard for his own safety, Colonel Schimmelpfennig moved forward to an extremely exposed position and observed the fire of concealed enemy mortars and machine guns. From this position he obtained information which enabled his mortar platoons to eliminate the enemy position, and allowed the leading elements to reach the south bank of the Paranaque River. Colonel Schimmelpfennig again went forward under heavy fire to confer with the commander of an assault unit, and while returning to the command post, was mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper. Colonel Schimmelpfenning’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Airborne Division, and the United States Army.