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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Thomas Gerard, Jr. (ASN: 0-1318295), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 417th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 7 February 1945. On that date, Lieutenant Gerard and two enlisted men crossed the Sauer River into Germany on a reconnaissance patrol. The Lieutenant went forward under heavy fire to reconnoiter mortar and machine-gun positions, and upon his return, he and his men were ambushed by a large force of the enemy. The small force engaged the enemy but were forced by superior numbers and lack of ammunition to attempt a withdrawal. Armed with just one hand grenade, the courageous Lieutenant ordered his men to make a break for it while he remained behind to cover them. The men escaped but their brave leader was killed. First Lieutenant Gerard’s conspicuous heroism and supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 76th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.