Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)

Unit:

Company B, 743rd Tank Battalion, 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 9th, 1945

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Melvin H. Bieber (37194107), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion, attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 October 1944, in Birk in the Rhine Province, Germany.

After two hours of relentless artillery and mortar fire, the enemy launched a coordinated armored and infantry attack upon defensive positions held by Staff Sergeant Bieber's company. Commanding a lone tank against overwhelming odds, Staff Sergeant Bieber fought off a vicious assault by five German tanks attempting to outflank his company. For a quarter of an hour, he poured devastating fire into the advancing armor, knocking two tanks out of action and holding the remainder at bay. When assistance arrived, he joined in fighting off waves of massive German tanks for a period of three hours. By his fearless courage and extraordinary heroism Staff Sergeant Bieber prevented the enemy from overrunning his company's positions. 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 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 23 (February 9, 1945).