Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 18 (February 20, 1945)
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 Robert Guy Loder-Symonds, British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Commander, Royal Artillery, 1st Airborne Division, British Army, in action against enemy forces during the battle of Arnhem, Belgium. from 17 September 1944 to 25 September 1944. Brigadier Loder-Symonds’ artillery arrangements during the battle were outstanding and the maximum possible use was made at all tines of the support available. When the medium artillery of the Second Army came within range, Brigadier Loder-Symonds directed their fire with such skill that medium shells were destroying the enemy within a few hundred yards of the British positions. The effect of this close-in medium support was so devastating that several enemy concentrations, forming for attack, were completely broken up and many dangerous situations were averted. Brigadier Loder-Symonds was constantly under fire. The leadership he displayed and his cheerfulness under difficult and dangerous conditions were outstanding at all times, and an example to those with whom he came in contact.