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 Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Lyle Joseph Bouck, Jr. (ASN: 0-1291400), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving while serving as Platoon Leader, Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1944, in the vicinity of Lanzerath, Belgium. During the morning hours, Captain Bouck and his platoon were manning observation posts and in a defensive position on the right flank of the 99th Infantry Division when the position came under heavy attack by enemy forces. Knowing the importance of defending this position and delaying the enemy’s advance, Captain Bouck rallied his men to repel the enemy at all costs. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, he moved from position to position encouraging his men to continue to fight. His efforts were directly responsible for his platoon inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, repelling them during three separate attacks, and delaying their advance for 18 hours. Finally, out of ammunition and hopelessly outnumbered and surrounded by the enemy, he was overwhelmed by the enemy forces and captured at gun point. Captain Bouck’s extraordinarily heroic actions against insurmountable odds contributed materially to the allied success at the Battle of the Bulge. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 99th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.