Ozias C. Ritter

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ozias C. Ritter (20365297), Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. Technical Sergeant Ritter led his machine gun section ashore in the first wave of troops to attack the coast of France. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly, despite devastating enemy fire which inflicted heavy casualties, led his men into position and coolly placed fire on the enemy positions. In one instance, he purposely exposed himself to draw enemy fire to provide his section with positive locations of the enemy guns. Another time, he entered a sector of observed enemy mortar fire to carry out the wounded. The gallantry, leadership and outstanding courage of Technical Sergeant Ritter exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.