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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Wilson Dudley Coleman (ASN: 0-19914), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 July 1944, in Normandy, France. Shortly after midnight in the vicinity of ****, while checking his defensive position, Lieutenant Colonel Coleman came upon an enemy armored column approaching his bivouac area. Quickly selecting a protected spot, he single-handedly fired four anti-tank rockets at the leading tank and scored three direct hits, thereby destroying the tank and temporarily halting the column. Realizing that a major enemy attack was being directed against his sector, he returned to his Command Post, driving his small unarmored vehicle through withering enemy fire over a tortuous route jammed with stalled vehicles. Upon his arrival, he quickly and efficiently issued the necessary orders for breaking up the attack and proceeded to direct the fire of his machine guns against the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Coleman was killed in this action, but the extraordinary heroism, complete devotion to duty and valiant leadership he displayed in dispersing the spearhead of a major enemy counterattack resulted in saving the lives of many of his men. By establishing a successful defense and annihilating this large enemy armored column, he contributed substantially to the success of the break through operations into the heart of France. Lieutenant Colonel Coleman’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.