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 Staff Sergeant Norman B. Lawson (ASN: 20244517), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) (Separate), attached to the 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Montrevel, France, on 3 September 1944. Halting his tank column and climbing on top of a turret, Staff Sergeant Lawson neutralized enemy infantrymen in a side street. Disregarding a wound, he continued to direct his platoon until he was forced to withdraw his tanks against intense enemy tank, machine gun, and rifle fire. His own tank stalled in front of an enemy force of four Mark V tanks and numerous machine guns. Ordering his crew to abandon the tank, Staff Sergeant Lawson held his post in the face of certain death to cover their withdrawal and divert the enemy’s fire until he was fatally wounded by an enemy shell. Staff Sergeant Lawson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.