My dear Mr. Muszynski, I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President, the Distinguished Service Cross has been posthumously awarded to your son, Private First Class Walter J. Muszynski, Parachute Infantry.
Distinguished Service Cross
For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against armed enemy on 20 September 1944 about one mile north of ***, Holland. As a light machine gunner, Private First Class Muszynski crossed the *** River in one of the lead boats of the initial assault element during the *** bridgehead operation.
As heavy machine gun and 20mm flak fire greeted the forward elements, Private First Class Muzinsky quickly mounted his machine gun in the bow of his boat and directed heavy fire on the enemy dug in on the riverbank. Although fully exposed to enemy fire, which wounded 2 of his comrades, Private First Class Muszynski disregarded all possibilities of danger and remained at his precarious post.
Upon reaching the opposite bank, Private First Class Muszynski maintained a continuous cover of protective fire for the movement of his squad to the main dyke and from the dyke to the railroad embankment, accounting for at least 20 enemy dead and wounded. At times he fired his machine gun from the hip while moving forward so as to keep pace with his squad. At the railroad embankment heavy opposition from self-propelled 20mm flak guns was encountered, and one of the nearby flanking guns knocked Private First Class Muszynski’s machine gun from his arms, destroying it. Unhesitatingly and without orders from anyone, Private First Class Muszynski crept to within 15 yards of the gun position directing devastating flanking fire on his platoon, and knocked it out with hand grenades, killing 4 of the enemy. During this phase of the action, Private First Class Muszynski fell mortally wounded from enemy rifle fire. By his brave determination and valorous execution of his duties at the sacrifice of his own life, Private First Class Muszynski set an inspiring example for all his comrades and contributed directly to the successful establishment of the vital *** bridgehead.
The decoration will be forwarded to the commanding general, Sixth Service Command, Chicago, Illinois, who will select an officer to make the presentation. The officer selected will communicate with you concerning your wishes in the matter.
May I again express my deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement.
Sincerely yours,
Robert H. Dunlop
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General
Courtesy of Dave Berry,
with permission of
Kathleen M. Buttke
Niece of PVT. Walter J. Muszynski 504 PIR I Co.
