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 Captain (Infantry) Keith Graham Van Neste (ASN: 0-405360), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 13 April 1945. During action near Merseburg, Germany, Captain Van Neste, with three volunteers, set fort h to lay a vitally needed wire line between the Regimental and Battalion Command Posts. Although the area was swept by intense hostile 105-mm. fire he fearlessly continued his mission and completed the circuit. When enemy action created a break in the line he courageously started out alone to repair it but was mortally wounded by an enemy shell. Captain Van Neste’s heroic actions and supreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.