Private Tyler attended the Virginia Military Institute before entering active duty Army in 1944.
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Private Tyler attended the Virginia Military Institute before entering active duty Army in 1944.
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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 Private Maurice Linwood Tyler (ASN: 13063933), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Regimental Headquarters, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces. On 1 April 1945 near Vockenrot, Germany, Private Tyler, an automatic rifleman in an intelligence and reconnaissance platoon, was acting as scout in an escape jeep during a forward reconnaissance mission. Advancing towards the enemy, the platoon was suddenly subjected to intense German machine gun fire, that destroyed the inter-platoon radio set and disrupted communications. Private Tyler and the men in the escape-vehicle were ordered to withdraw for reinforcements. Returning with reinforcements to aid the members of his platoon, pinned down by the enemy machine gun fire, Private Tyler advanced to within 200 yards of the German positions, where he opened fire with his automatic rifle and inflicted several casualties. Immediately, the enemy returned withering fire from all flanks. Private Tyler, with complete disregard for his personal safety, calmly directed machine gun fire on the hostile positions. Completely ignoring the fire concentrated on himself, he advanced directly into the hail of enemy bullets, firing short bursts from his automatic weapon and designating targets for the machine gunner. Disregarding an order to withdraw to safety, Private Tyler pushed steadily forward against the German positions until he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and exemplify the finest traditions of the United States Infantryman.