Ben Santjer

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Ben Santjer (37307336), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 48th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces on the night of 7 January 1944, in Italy. During an assault on Mount Porcia, Italy, Technician Fifth Grade Santjer was one of the first of his group to reach the summit. Once there, he took part in a fire fight at close range with enemy personnel in the rocks. Technician Fifth Grade Santjer exposed himself repeatedly to draw fire away from the remainder of his party, allowing his comrades to maneuver advantageously. Although twice wounded by enemy grenades, he continued to fire his rifle, shooting three enemy and bayoneting a fourth. He was killed at close range by machine pistol fire. His courage in the face of the enemy was an inspiration to his fellow soldiers. Technician Fifth Grade Santjer’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, his unit, and the United States Army.