Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company I, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army (Company I, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division "Tough 'Ombres", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James Richard Pfleger, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 December 1944, in Germany. On that date, the pillbox which Sergeant Pfleger and his platoon had taken was surrounded by the enemy during action near Pachten, Germany. For three days the soldiers repelled repeated furious enemy assaults upon the fortification. When it was determined that it was impossible to hold out longer, Sergeant Pfleger voluntarily infiltrated through the enemy ring, reached his battalion and directed fire against the enemy. He then returned to the pillbox, carrying a litter and demolition charges, and after directing evacuation of the position he fired the charges, destroying the pillbox. Private First Class Pfleger'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 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 55 (1945).