Martin D. Moritz’ Distinguished Service Cross citation

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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

Technician Fourth Grade Martin Dirk Moritz

United States Army

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Medical Detachment, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 August 1943, at *****, Sicily. Technician Fourth Grade Moritz, while administering first aid to a wounded soldier, received a wound from an enemy shell which resulted in almost complete amputation of his right arm. Heedless of severe personal injury and safety he continued, under heavy enemy fire, to render medical treatment. Realizing that his injured arm was a hindrance in the performance of this treatment, he attempted with his pocket knife to complete the amputation of his own arm. Failing in this, he proceeded, again under fire, in the direction of the aid station. Before arriving he collapsed and was picked up by the litter-bearer team to whom, in spite of his weakened condition, he reported the location of the wounded man. While at the aid station he received a second shell fire wound in the abdomen. The courage displayed by Technician Fourth Grade Moritz, both on the battlefield and in the hospital, was an inspiration to all who saw it and was in keeping with the finest traditions of unselfish valor.