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 Private Lee Wilson Harper (ASN: 35436119), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 June 1944, in France. While advancing upon a heavily fortified coastal area, Private Harper’s battalion was halted by devastating fire from a hostile machine gun. With utter disregard for his life, Private Harper voluntarily crossed open and fire swept ground to draw the attention of the enemy from squads attacking on the flanks. He was struck four times by hostile fire before he fell seriously wounded ten yards short of the enemy gun position. By his heroic actions and personal bravery, Private Harper distracted the sufficiently to permit assault elements of his platoon to eliminate the machine gun nest, thus exemplifying the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.