Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company F, 2nd Ranger Battalion, Provisional Ranger Group, V Corps, First Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1944

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Otto Masny (0-1283639), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding Company F, 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Captain Masny led his company in the face of heavy enemy fire on to the beach at "H" hour on D-Day. Although wounded in this initial landing, he refused to be evacuated and remained with his company on the narrow and insecure beachhead. Captain Masny's action was an example to his men and inspired them to put down three enemy counterattacks. A few days later, still refusing to be evacuated, he voluntarily, despite continuous enemy machine gun fire, led a patrol which destroyed an enemy ammunition dump. Captain Masny'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.

HQ First U.S. Army, GO 28, June 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)