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 Captain Eric MacLachlan MacKay, British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Officer Commanding, Troop A, 1st Parachute Squadron, British Army, in action against enemy forces during the battle of Arnhem, Belgium, from 17 September 1944 to 22 September 1944. Captain MacKay, with a detachment of Royal Engineers which he commanded, successfully reached the North end of the main road bridge at Arnhem late on 17 September 1944. In spite of constant enemy attacks, the detachment held out for four days until the survivors were eventually overcome, rounded-up and taken into Germany by the enemy. Captain MacKay, with another officer and two sappers, escaped within twenty-four hours, and on 22 September 1944, at Nijmegen, they got in touch with the British troops and reported to 30 Corps much valuable information. Throughout the entire action, Captain McKay displayed the greatest personal courage.