Frank C. Zalewski

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Frank C. Zalewski (32797017), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 27 August 1944, in France. At 0800 hours on 27 August 1944, near Begude, France, Private First Class Zalewski voluntarily ran and crawled three hundred and forth yards through intense machine gun fire and mortar concentrations. Despite shells which exploded ten yards away, he took his bazooka to an exposed position and knocked out an enemy half-track. With only one rocket left, he remained at his post and destroyed at forty yards range an enemy tank which charged him with both machine guns blazing. Setting both half-track and tank afire and killing eight Germans, Private First class Zalewski saved an infantry platoon from destruction. He was killed in a subsequent action. Private First Class Zalewski’s intrepid actions, 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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.