I looked up the criteria for the Distinguished Service Cross, as it is the individual equivalent of the Presidential Unit Commendation, which Dad and his unit had received.

The Service Cross is the second highest honor that can be given, after the Medal Of Honor.
"3-7. Distinguished Service Cross

a. The Distinguished Service Cross, section 3742, title 10, United States Code (10 USC 3742), was established by Act of Congress 9 July 1918 (amended by act of 25 July 1963).

b. The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguished himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing or foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.

Webmaster's Note: Prior awards of the DSC are under review for possible upgrade to the Medal "

So Dad and his Band of Brothers were indeed great heroes, though it saddens me that we might never know why. :(