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 Second Lieutenant (Cavalry) William Middleton Grimes, Jr. (ASN: 0-1019345), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 27th Tank Battalion, 20th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 April 1945, at Berg, Germany. Advancing on the town with only one tank, Lieutenant Grimes encountered strong enemy opposition from both flanks. He overcame the major part of this resistance and began an assault on the objective. Meeting intense sniper, machine gun and Panzerfaust activity, he was wounded but maintained his position until relieved by the infantry. While withdrawing, his tank struck a mine and he was injured again. Panzerfaust and machine gun fire then centered on the vehicle, killing Lieutenant Grimes as his crew attempted to evacuate him. The spearheading action, the gallantry and the heroism displayed by Lieutenant Grimes served as an undying inspiration to his unit in its subsequent success. His gallant leadership and zealous 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 and the United States Army.