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 Colonel Raymond Felix Gilbert Koch, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces in France, on 15 March 1945. As Artillery Commander, 3d Algerian Infantry Division, French Army, Colonel Koch was largely responsible for the striking and decisive successes attained by his division during vitally important assault operations. In preparation for the advance of the infantry, he went forward into the front lines on a dangerous liaison mission to become familiar with the targets of greatest importance. As a result, Colonel Koch was able to open the way into the German lines by directing a deluge of rapid and accurate fire upon the enemy, and to insure the retention of the captured positions by crushing all enemy attempts to counterattack. The gallant leadership and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Koch reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.