The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Willard E. Harrison (ASN: 0-395974), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 June 1944, in France. When the Company Commander of a tank company was killed in action at the bridge over the Merderet River, Major Harrison, realizing that there was no officer in that company who was sufficiently cognizant of the immediate plan of action, immediately went forward. Though subjected to heavy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire, Major Harrison personally carried orders to each tank commander in the company. Without regard for his own safety, Major Harrison fearlessly moved among the tanks on foot, directed them to their proper positions in the assault force and stayed with them until their mission was accomplished. The personal bravery, initiative, and superior leadership displayed by Major Harrison reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.