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 (Field Artillery) Jerome Edward Scanlon (ASN: 0-1178619), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Battery, 400th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 7 March 1945. On that date, Lieutenant Scanlon and an observer were on an observation mission, flying low over the point units of the spearhead striking towards Remagen, Germany. Without thought for their own safety they braved enemy anti-aircraft fire to observe and direct fire upon enemy installations as the attacking troops approached and formed for the assault against the bridge across the Rhine River. When enemy fire hit the plane, causing it to crash, they were flying too low to parachute to safety, and Lieutenant Scanlon and his observer were killed. The courage and determination First Lieutenant Scanlon displayed, and his 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 and the United States Army.