Jake L. Wertich

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jake L. Wertich (0-1304472), First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Parachute Infantry, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 December 1944 at Trois Ponts, Belgium. When an enemy attack caused the forward troops to withdraw, Lieutenant Wertich refused to be driven from his gun. When all members of his crew were killed or wounded, he manned his gun himself, covering the withdrawal of the company from the hill. Even when the enemy over-ran his position, Lieutenant Wertich remained at his gun, thereby keeping the enemy tanks out of position and assuring success of the maneuver. His gallant action saved the lives of many members of his battalion and aided materially in repulsing a strong enemy attack had the city of Liege, Belgium, as it objective. Lieutenant Wertich is known to have knocked out two enemy tanks in the action which cost him his life. His personal bravery, invincible courage and self-sacrifice were an inspiration to those around him and exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.