Ross Hamilton Calvert, Jr.
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 17 September 1944, Private First Class Andrew A. Kalinka was serving with the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Kalinka’s unit was in action against German forces near Cote de Fey, France, after a bridgehead was secured across the Moselle, south of Metz. Serving as a light machine-gunner, PFC Kalinka bravely held his position in the face of intense German fire and maintained a devastating rate of fire with his machine gun. Although the Germans advanced to within 25 yards of PFC Kalinka’s position, he continued firing at point blank range until he was fatally wounded. PFC Kalinka was an outstanding soldier whose courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

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 Andrew A. Kalinka (ASN: 32181410), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1944. The conspicuous heroism Private Kalinka displayed on that date, during action against a powerful enemy attack near Cote de Fey, France, distinguishes him as an outstanding soldier. Serving as a light machine-gunner with the 11th Infantry Regiment, he courageously held his position in the face of intense enemy fire and maintained a devastating rate of fire with his machine gun. Even when the enemy advanced to within twenty-five yards of his position he continued firing at point blank range until he was fatally wounded. The supreme courage this intrepid soldier displayed and his determination and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 46 (February 25, 1945)

Burial

Private First Class Andrew A. Kalinka is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France, in Plot C21-46.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56656862/andrew-a-kalinka