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) Lindsay Coates Herkness, Jr. (ASN: 0-22181), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 July 1944. On that date, Colonel Herkness courageously led an armored attack on the Canisy-Le Mesnil Herman road, France. When his tank became disabled, Colonel Herkness mounted the back of another and with complete disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and small-arms fire, continued to direct the advance. As he personally moved forward to direct the removal of two burning enemy vehicles from their path, Colonel Herkness was fired upon from point-blank range by two of the enemy. Though he was painfully wounded, Colonel Herkness drew his pistol, killed one of his adversaries and forced the other to run to cover. Refusing to be evacuated but accepting first aid, he continued to lead and direct his men on to their objective. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Colonel Herkness reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.