(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Herman Bender (ASN: 20648133), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 31 December 1942, in the vicinity Buna, New Guinea. Private First Class Bender greatly distinguished himself in fighting along the coast. He was killed while making a bold dash through an open field swept by enemy fire to find the flank of a neighboring unit with which all contact had been lost. Private First Class Bender’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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.