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 Maurice M. LeClair (ASN: 20227821), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 71st Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 1 January 1945, in the vicinity of Moronville Farms, France. Sergeant LeClair, platoon guide, discovered an enemy attacking force approaching his company Command Post, which was only about 150 yards away. After calling for artillery, he left his position and ran in the direction of the approaching enemy. When about 30 yards from the enemy column, he jumped into a hole and opened fire with his sub-machine gun, killing or wounding eight of the enemy. While withdrawing to his platoon, he was sounded in the stomach by a German machine-pistol bullet. Nevertheless, he reached his platoon and continued to fight until he became too weak to continue. He died of his wounds at the Battalion Aid Station. Because of his intrepid gallantry and self-sacrifice, Sergeant LeClair diverted and weakened the enemy attack enabling his company to defeat a superior enemy force. Staff Sergeant LeClair’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, the 55th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.