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 (Infantry) Teddy Hollis Sanford (ASN: 0-277810), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while commanding the 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 September 1944. On that date, he quickly assembled the battalion which he commanded, which had landed by glider, and, working without the services of most of his staff, accomplished the task of relieving a battalion in minimum time through his personal efforts and supervision. Colonel Sanford’s battalion had the mission of defending a frontage much greater than that normally assigned to a unit of its size, but due to his thorough knowledge of his troops and of the situation and to his complete disregard for his own safety in making personal reconnaissance and in visiting front line positions, in spite of heavy shell fire, to encourage his men and to insure best possible disposition of troops, his battalion presented an impenetrable defense to all enemy counterattacks for a period of eight days. At 0530 hours, 2 September 1944, Colonel Sanford’s battalion attacked eastward from Mook, Holland. Colonel Sanford, although suffering with a high fever, went forward with the assault companies and personally directed every phase of the attack, adjusting artillery and mortar fire, directing communications, evacuation and supply as well as personally directing the fire of two supporting tanks into enemy strong points. When one of his companies was surprised by and enemy strong point and badly disorganized he, without thought for the danger involved, effected a reorganization of the company, replacing the company commander and other officers who had become casualties. By nightfall, he had stabilized his lines and was able to hold the ground gained during the day. The courage and perseverance of Colonel Sanford were directly responsible for the success of the battalion’s operation and were of untold value to the holding of very important ground for the Allied Forces. His bravery, coolness and magnificent leadership are recognized and respected by every member of his command and reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army.