Julian Gonzales

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Julian Gonzales, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 August 1944, when his squad was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire while attacking a hill in France. With utter disregard for his safety, Private First Class Gonzalez voluntarily and with great personal courage crossed an open field alone and in plain view of the enemy. He leaped a hedge concealing the enemy and ferociously attacked a machine gun and rocket launcher crew with his automatic rifle, killing or wounding five Germans and driving off the others. Private First Class Gonzalez’s action allowed the tanks in his squad to continue their advance. His 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 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.