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 Brigadier General Gerald William Lathbury, British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an enemy as Commander, 1st Parachute Brigade, British Army, during the battle of Arnhem, Belgium, from 17 September 1944 to 23 October 1944. Brigadier Lathbury conducted the advance of his brigade until he was cut off from his headquarters. He then participated in street fighting with one of his battalions until he was wounded on 18 September 1944 and taken to a hospital. Although not fully recovered, on the night of 24 – 25 September 1944, he left the hospital and tried to rejoin the division. Being unable to do so, he received aid from the Dutch resistance movement, evaded capture and remained in hiding until he escaped across a river and reached the British lines on 23 October 1944.