Lloyd Greer was initially reported as “missing in action” after the battle that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, but subsequently evaded and returned to his unit.
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Lloyd Greer was initially reported as “missing in action” after the battle that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, but subsequently evaded and returned to his unit.
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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 Private First Class Lloyd C. Greer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy on 17 and 18 February 1944. Private First Class Greer was a messenger for a machine gun platoon when the Germans lunged forward in an offensive. He took over a light machine gun and fired until a 40-mm. anti-tank gun knocked out his weapon. Finding another machine gun, he dropped the advancing Germans in great numbers until that gun, too, was knocked out of action. After dark, Private First Class Greer spotted another machine gun and spent the night gathering up ammunition and improving his position. Early in the morning, the Germans attack hard and forced American riflemen around his post to withdraw. Private First Class Greer refused to withdraw and later the riflemen who had dug in 300 yards to his rear, heard his machine gun chattering away but they could not see him. He was completely surrounded by Germans. Private First Class Greer’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, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.