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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward Schmitt (ASN: 0-1326929), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Schmitt distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yongsan, Korea on the Naktong-gang River line, during the period 31 August 1950 through 3 September 1950. On the night of 31 August 1950 the entire front of the Ninth Infantry Division was heavily attacked by two divisions of the enemy who penetrated the lines of the regiment and surrounded some of its units. Lieutenant Schmitt assumed command of a group of about seventy men, consisting largely of members of Companies H and D. Fully realizing the critical position of the group, he took charge immediately and organized a perimeter defense. On the morning of 1 September 1950, the enemy began the first of many fanatical attacks against the position. All day and all night the attacks continued. One attack after another was repulsed. Lieutenant Schmitt moved from man to man on the perimeter, displaying great courage and inspiring leadership. He explained to his men the importance of holding the position, thereby delaying the enemy’s advance and allowing the regiment time to regroup and counterattack. Under his dominant leadership men rose to great heights of bravery and daring. Some left the perimeter to gather weapons and ammunition from enemy dead and to attack and destroy enemy machine-guns. On 2 September 1950, Lieutenant Schmitt gained radio contact with his battalion and requested an air drop of water and ammunition. His men were suffering greatly from lack of water and some of them were delirious. Nevertheless, under his leadership they continued to fight off the enemy’s continued fanatical attacks and pile up enemy dead in hundreds on the hillside. He was wounded as he supervised the recovery of the air drop, but continued his duties although very weak from thirst, hunger, and loss of blood. Lieutenant Schmitt transmitted his last message of 3 September 1950, informing his commanders of the group’s situation and stating that he and his men would fight on no matter what happened. Late on the same day his radio sustained a direct hit and was destroyed. Still later on the same day, he was mortally wounded as he continued to move among his wounded and dying men. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Schmitt on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.