Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company L, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald C. Wideman (ASN: 35055318), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 4 December 1944. On that date, near Ludmeier, Germany, Private Wideman's company was pinned down by enemy machine gun, rocket and rifle fire, emanating from heavily fortified positions on high ground. With complete disregard for the overwhelming odds, he courageously led his squad in a gallant attack against the enemy positions in the face of intense hostile fire. The enemy rocket-launchers and riflemen were pinned down by this aggressive action and Private Wideman single-handedly destroyed the machine gun and its crew, enabling his company to advance and take their objective. Although he received wounds in this action which cost him his life, his indomitable fighting spirit and supreme devotion to duty live on as a constant inspiration to his comrades. Private First Class Wideman'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.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 179 (1945).
Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company L, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army