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 Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Haskett Lynch Conner, Jr. (ASN: 0-21855), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 February 1945. Colonel Conner commanded a Cavalry Squadron spearheading a motorized advance from Guimba to Manila. After leading his forces across one hundred miles of enemy territory in three days, he arrived at Manila just before dusk. Dispatching one troop to seize Malacanan Palace, he beat off a vigorous counter-attack from the direction of Far Eastern University, which counter-attack threatened to block the advance south on Quezon Boulevard. He then turned to direct his remaining forces in the assault on the internment camp at Santo Tomas University. Under heavy and continuous enemy fire, he was wounded as he led his men to the gages of the prison. Nevertheless, he continued to direct the attack and before the Japanese guards had time to harm the internees, the university had been seized. Through his heroic leadership in the face of grave danger, Colonel Conner contributed to the liberation of over three thousand allied internees and the annihilation of many enemy troops. Lieutenant Colonel Conner’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.