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 Lieutenant Colonel Donald A. MacKenzie, Canadian Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 12 April 1945. When the 48th Highlanders of Canada had crossed the Ijssel River and gained their initial objectives on the Wilp-Deventer Road, Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie, realizing that this was the turning point of the battle, went forward fearlessly in the face of heavy enemy fire to make a personal reconnaissance in preparation for the second phase of the attack. His plan of attack, based on the information he gained, was eminently successful, and his unsurpassed leadership and daring resulted in the complete rout of the enemy. The intrepidity and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.