Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 394th Infantry regiment, 99th Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1981

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Risto Milosevich, Sergeant (then Private First Class), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1944, in the vicinity of Lanzerath, Belgium. Following a relentless early morning artillery barrage, Sergeant Milosevich sighted two columns of German paratroopers marching on the road through Lanzerath about 200 yards from the platoon's position. When the German unit launched an attack, Sergeant Milosevich boldly and single-handedly manned a .30 caliber light machine gun. Simultaneously feeding the belt and operating the machine gun, he placed voluminous automatic weapons fire on the Germans who were concentrating their assault to the front and right of his assigned defensive sector. During this assault, he spotted and cut down an enemy soldier attempting to throw a grenade inside the defensive perimeter. When his machine gun jammed, he continued to suppress the attack with remarkably rapid and accurate fire from his individual weapon. Joined by his platoon sergeant as another attack began, Sergeant Milosevich fed the belt to a machine gun until it burned out. He then began removing ammunition from the useless machine gun belts for use in his rifle so that he could continue to repel the enemy soldiers who outnumbered the platoon fifteen-to-one. Sergeant Milosevich's dauntless efforts and sustained weapons fire throughout the day contributed immensely to the platoon's ability to stop three separate frontal attacks. Finally, hopelessly outnumbered and out of ammunition, he was overwhelmed and forcefully captured in his foxhole by the enemy. Sergeant Milosevich's extraordinary heroism and refusal to surrender despite insurmountable odds were responsible for inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking enemy forces and delaying their advance for nearly 18 hours. Sergeant Milosevich'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, the 99th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 26 (1981).