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 (Infantry) Raymond Lester Thayer (ASN: 0-1297985), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Anti-Tank Company in the 305th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Cogan, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 14 December 1944. During a regimental attack against a fortified blockhouse As a tank destroyer platoon commander during a regimental attack against a fortified enemy block house, First Lieutenant Thayer advanced against the stronghold in a self-propelled gun followed by a group of riflemen. Standing waist high in the turret, he directed the fire of his gun and fired tracers from a mounted machine gun, pointing out the concealed targets to riflemen who then neutralized the positions. He then drove his vehicle over other resisting emplacements and dropped grenades into the positions, despite intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire concentrated on him. First Lieutenant Thayer continued firing his guns and dropping grenades until he had personally killed more than 100 enemy soldiers, and remained in action until he was himself, fatally wounded by enemy sniper fire. First Lieutenant Thayer’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 77th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.