Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company B, 272nd Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division, U.S. Army (Company B, 272nd Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division, U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Fred Mortensen, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 272d Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 April 1945, near Benterode, Germany. When his platoon was halted by heavy fire from dug-in machine gun positions, Private First Class Mortensen crawled forward under heavy fire and threw grenades into three machine gun positions, annihilating the occupants. With his grenade supply exhausted, he leaped to his feet and charged a fourth position, and though his rifle failed to fire, his aggressiveness caused the enemy to surrender without resistance. Throughout the entire action, Private First Class Mortensen displayed extraordinary heroism and superior qualities of courage and leadership. 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 69th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 436 (1945).