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 Private First Class Richard Hamilton Griffin (ASN: 34608995), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 83d Chemical Mortar Battalion (Separate), Chemical Warfare Service, in action against enemy forces near Riquewihr, France, on 12 December 1944. When the mortar positions of his platoon were threatened by a large force of enemy infantry, Private First Class Griffin rushed forward two hundred yards from his squad position to man a machine gun outpost. He calmly waited until the enemy was within one hundred yards range and then opened fire killing ten of the enemy with the initial burst of fire. Private First Class Griffin’s deadly fire forced the enemy to deploy and attempt to surround him. Despite small arms and automatic weapons, and light mortar fire which was directed at him, Private First Class Griffin clung to his position and continued firing. When hit by small arms fire in the right side of his body he rolled over and fired his machine gun with his left hand. Although hit a second time, he continued firing until his position was finally overrun by the enemy and he was killed. By his stubborn courage and unselfish sacrifice, Private First Class Griffin in giving his life, saved the lives of many of his comrades and was instrumental in blunting the drive of superior enemy forces which threatened the security of a large sector of the front near Riquewihr, France. Private First Class Griffin’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 and the United States Army.