Frederick L. Bach, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Frederick L. Bach, Jr., First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 October 1944, in France. As Lieutenant Bach was leading a platoon of Company L through the enemy-held village of Fossieux, France, his men were pinned down by enemy machine-gun fire coming from a house located on high ground in front of them. As he deployed his platoon for an attack against the position, Lieutenant Bach noticed a wounded soldier lying exposed to the intense enemy fire. Disregarding this fire, Lieutenant Bach fearlessly made his way to the injured man, rendered immediate first aid, and then carried him to shelter. Returning to his previous position in front of his platoon, Lieutenant Bach then led his men against the building where the enemy had established a strong point. He first threw a grenade through a window on the first floor, then made a room to room search of the house and determined that the enemy had taken refuge in the cellar. Directing his men to surround the house he threw grenades down the cellar ramp and was successful in securing the surrender of one enemy officer and fifteen enlisted men. Lieutenant Bach then continued the mopping up of the sector assigned to his platoon, repeatedly demonstrating his courageous and skillful leadership when the enemy threatened several times to over-run his position. First Lieutenant Bach’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.