(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Reynold C. Erichson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Mortain, France, from 6 to 12 August 1944. The 30th Infantry Division arrived at Mortain, near the base of the Cherbourg Peninsula, on 6 August 1944, to relieve another Division that had trapped the German SEVENTH Army on the peninsula. Twenty-four hours later the Germans attacked with five divisions and succeeded in cutting the American lines and isolating the 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment. The Battalion commander and staff were captured, and Captain Erichson assumed command. The unit had suffered many casualties but had no medical officers and only a few aid men, there were no rations, and he had to send out patrols through sniper fire to get water. They were two miles from American lines, with many German tanks and troops between them, and the only communication with the American lines was by radio. Captain Erichson posted his men in defensive positions on two hills just outside Mortain, which was a good position but which placed the men under observed artillery fire, and German tanks constantly overran the American positions. A German party under a white flag demanded that Captain Erichson surrender his command within 24 hours, which he quickly declined. For seven days Captain Erichson maintained his command while American Airplanes attempted to drop rations and artillery fired drugs, plasma, and bandages into the position. Supporting fire was directed from the American lines until the radio batteries died. After seven days holding out cut off and surrounded, the Germans withdrew in the face of reinforcements from the 120th Infantry Regiment and the 35th Infantry Division. Captain Erichson’s outstanding leadership, 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 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.