Henry J. Kalinowsky

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Henry J. Kalinowsky (35789411), Corporal [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 7 November 1944, in Germany. During an attack upon the village of Vossonack, Corporal Kalinowsky observed five Germans armed with machine pistols, enter a building and fire upon his platoon, halting the advance. Although he had expended his supply of ammunition, Corporal Kalinowsky, disregarding enemy artillery and small arms fire, ran across an open field and, with great personal courage, jumped through a window into the room occupied by the Germans. Overtaking the enemy by his surprise action, he forcefully demanded their surrender at the point of his empty rifle. The Germans yielded to this valiant soldier, thus enabling his platoon to continue its advance. Corporal Kalinowsky’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, his unit, and the United States Army.