Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Unit:

Company B, 394th Infantry regiment, 99th Infantry Division, U.S. Army

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eddie Dolenc (38083443), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1944, in Germany. Upon observing that the left flank position of his platoon had been cut off by the enemy, Technical Sergeant Dolenc made his way to the company command post where he secured a machine gun. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved toward the enemy and, under the covering fire of three comrades, mounted his weapon in plain view of the enemy. As the enemy advanced toward him, Technical Sergeant Dolenc heroically fired his machine gun in free traverse, killing or wounding an estimated thirty Germans and forcing the remainder to withdraw. During a lull in the firefight, Technical Sergeant Dolenc ordered his comrades to rejoin his platoon while he remained alone in his precarious position. The enemy launched a vicious assault upon him, but Technical Sergeant Dolenc remained steadfast and was last seen pouring a hail of bullets into the charging Germans. Sergeant Dolenc's indomitable fighting spirit, great personal bravery and unflinching 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.


Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 16 (25 January 1945).