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 Staff Sergeant Lawrence Leon Hatfield (ASN: 39681405), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 26th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 December 1944. On that date, Sergeant Hatfield led the 1st Platoon, 26th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop on a mission of screening the advance of the 328th Infantry Regiment near Rambrouch, Luxembourg. Under this Sergeant’s gallant, courageous leadership, the platoon inflicted tremendous losses of men and materiel upon the enemy, and fought a skillful delaying action although outnumbered ten to one. Staff Sergeant Hatfield’s conspicuous courage, and his fearless, inspiring leadership and loyal 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.