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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Billy Harland Kerr, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 68th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Sidi Bou Zid, Tunisia, on 15 February 1943. AS forward artillery observe, Lieutenant Kerr accompanied a tank battalion in an attack. The battalion was shelled heavily but his accurate information enabled our guns to silence the enemy battery. Completely disregarding his safety, he observed from a turret. His tank was set afire by a shell and had to be evacuated, but First Lieutenant Kerr remained under shellfire and helped extinguish the blaze. He then threw smoke grenades to create the impression that the tank was still burning and used it as a stationary observation post. His tank received many hits and he was painfully wounded but he remained at the post calmly and continued to send back accurate fire data until the battle was discontinued by darkness. Although surrounded by the enemy, he removed valuable equipment, destroyed the tank, and led the crew through the enemy line to safety. First Lieutenant Kerr’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.