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AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
TO CPL WALTER J. BEDNARZ
For Extraordinary Heroism

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R E S T R I C T E D

HEADQUARTERS XVIII CORPS (AIRBORNE)
APO 2109, United States Army

CITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

     Walter J. Bednarz, 20109683, Corporal, Infantry, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, on 17 September 1944. Corporal Bednarz, as leader of a squad of eight men, was given the mission of establishing and defending a roadblock at important road junction at Beek, Holland. A patrol of 18 German parachutists armed with machine guns and machine pistols attacked and attempted to destroy the position. Corporal Bednarz, upon seeing that he could not fire on this patrol without endangering the lives of a group of civilians directly between his position and the enemy, without regard for his own safety, leapt from his dug-in position and rushed to meet the oncoming enemy. At point blank range he sprayed the attackers with submachinegun fire. His action in single-handedly attacking a vastly superior enemy force in such a manner required the highest type of courage. The unhesitating action of Corporal Bednarz in a critical and unusual situation saved the lives of a number of innocent persons, rendered a most distinguished service by the destruction of an unknown number of enemy and strengthened the security of the position. Corporal Bednarz was killed in this action. Entered military service from Massachusetts.

M . B. RIDGWAY
Major General, U.S. Army
Commanding

R E S T R I C T E D

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