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 (Infantry) Erasmus Hardin Strickland (ASN: 0-224303), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 21 June 1944. On that date, the infantry battalion under Colonel Strickland’s command spearheaded an attack to break through a formidable enemy defense line near Ruffosses, France. In the lead of his troops, under withering fire, the Colonel made a personal reconnaissance of the approaches to the fortified area and determined that tank support was necessary. He went to the rear, directed the tanks forward and fearlessly led a tank-infantry assault in fierce hand-to-hand fighting, personally killing and wounding many of the enemy. The inspiring, dynamic leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Strickland was directly responsible for seizure of the battalion objective. His courage and loyal, heroic devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.