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 Sergeant Edward L. Stannard, III (ASN: 20254386), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 802d Tank Destroyer Battalion (Separate), THIRD U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces on 8 August 1944. On that date, the Tank Destroyer Platoon with which Sergeant Stannard was serving was in action against the fortifications at St. Malo, France. When a strong group of the enemy attacked, forcing the platoon to withdraw, Sergeant Stannard manned a machine-gun on a half-track while another soldier drove the vehicle forward into the face of enemy fire. The courageous sergeant was wounded twice but continued firing until he was killed. The conspicuous heroism and supreme devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Stannard exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.