The president of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private ALBERT A. DARAGO for Extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 19 December 1944 in Belgium . During a strong German counteroffensive, the rumbling of an undetermined number of hostile tanks was heard approaching private Darago’s 90mm gun position. when an Infantry Officer from an adjacent unit suddenly appeared in search of two rocket launcher gunners, Private Darago was one ot two men to volunteer for the dangerous mission of stopping the tank advance. Although he was unfamiliar with the weapon, he courageouslly crawled to within forty yards of the tanks. Ignoring the devastating machine gun fire placed upon him ,he fired a rocket and scored a direct hit. He returned to the officer to have his weapon reloaded and with undimished daring , crawled back to his original position, and while subjected to intensified machine gun fire, scored a second hit and completely destroyed the tank. The great valor, outstanding personal courage, and heroic actions of Private Darago exemplified the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Mr. Darago is a Life Member and resides in Maryland.