The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Donald Leroy Patch (ASN: RA-19049652), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Patch distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Wonsan, Korea, on 22 September 1950. Master Sergeant Patch’s organization, committed to capture a hill strongly supported by a mortar position about 300 yards away, was pinned down by intense flanking automatic and small-arms fire. Sergeant Patch volunteered to lead a group of three attached South Korean soldiers on a flanking movement against the position. The hostile forces spotted this valiant group approaching, concentrated a vicious stream of fire on them, and wounded Sergeant Patch in the chest. Ignoring his serious wound, he nevertheless forged on with unwavering determination. The group wiped out the position, killing nine of the defenders and routing the remainder. During the final charge on the strong point, this heroic leader received mortal wounds, but his intrepid action enable his company to take its objective. Sergeant Patch’s incredible courage and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.