Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army (Company E, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Edwin J. Lemke, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 28 June 1944, near Castogneto, Italy. During a company advance, a leading squad was suddenly fired upon from the right rear by a strong force of Germans. In the subsequent fire fight, the enemy succeeded in cutting of the squad from the remainder of the company. The company commander prepared to send a patrol to relieve the surrounded squad, but Private Lempke sought and obtained permission to attempt the task alone. Making his was along a dry river bed and through a series of ditches, he suddenly spotted a German soldier armed with a machine pistol. Private Lempke killed the German and took his weapon. Continuing his advance he observed another German and shot him with the machine pistol. Skillfully maneuvering toward the beleaguered squad, he located and killed three more enemy soldiers, to clear all enemy resistance from the rear and right rear of the squad. Finally reaching the three remaining members of the squad, he led them safely to the company. The initiative and aggressive fighting spirit displayed by Private Lempke prevented the capture of three fellow soldiers. 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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 166 (1944).