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 Second Lieutenant (Armor) Harry D. Heitz, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 327th Tank Battalion, Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, near Apremont, France, 1 October 1918. With rare coolness, courage, energy, and initiative Lieutenant Heitz led two platoons of tanks against an enemy attack upon the town of Apremont. Two of the tanks being disabled, he continued to advance, causing heavy casualties among the enemy forces. He continued for a considerable distance within the enemy lines and attacked them from the rear, thus rendering highly important help to his own forces. He continued his attack upon the enemy until his own tank was completely disabled. Discovering a wounded sergeant lying exposed to violent enemy machine-gun, rifle, and artillery fire he carried the wounded man to shelter.