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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Herbert Erickson (ASN: 0-106914), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company B, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 March 1945, in Germany. When his tank was disabled, First Lieutenant Erickson climbed to the deck in full view of the enemy to give his crew cover as they extricated themselves. Although wounded by an enemy six-man bazooka team, he killed all six with his pistol, then dismounted and fearlessly moved across enemy terrain killing many enemy soldiers in foxholes and wiping out points of resistance, clearing the way for an advance by his troops. In the performance of this courageous act, First Lieutenant Erickson was killed but the men of his command, inspired by this outstanding exhibition of bravery and daring, continued the attack and successfully achieved their objective. The intrepidity, fortitude, initiative and loyalty demonstrated by this First Lieutenant Erickson in the performance of his duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 6th Armored Division, and the United States Army.