The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Creighton Williams Abrams, Jr. (ASN: 0-20296), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces near Assenois, Belgium, on 26 December 1944. On that date Colonel Abrams he led his battle-weary battalion in an assault on a heavily defended town. When the advance was held up by a concealed enemy anti-tank gun, Lieutenant Colonel Abrams went forward in his command tank and destroyed the gun; his example inspiring his men to press on and take the town. Then, heedless of approaching darkness and strong enemy defenses, he brilliantly led his battalion on to a further objective. Lieutenant Colonel Abrams’ 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, the 4th Armored Division and the United States Army.

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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Creighton Williams Abrams, Jr. (ASN: 0-20296), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Arracourt, France, on 20 September 1944. On that date, two of Colonel Abrams’ tank companies were out-flanked and seriously disorganized by an armored attack of superior forces. Quickly and accurately estimating the situation, Colonel Abrams unhesitatingly attacked the enemy force with his command tank, striking with such ferocity that the enemy was thrown into a state of confusion and his own forces were able to regroup. Lieutenant Colonel Abrams then daringly led his reorganized companies in a frontal assault which resulted in the complete rout of the enemy and the capture of a valuable position with a considerable amount of enemy supplies. His rapid and heroic action, undertaken with great initiative and brilliant leadership, was largely responsible for the successful action and was an inspiration to all who witnessed it. Lieutenant Colonel Abrams’ 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, the 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.