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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hershel Thrall Hardin (ASN: 0-1325645), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division. On 5 September 1944, Lieutenant Hardin led his rifle platoon of the 319th Infantry in an assault upon Fort Villey Le Sec near Toul, France. The enemy position, a concrete and steel pillbox located on the crest of the hill, was well fortified, and when Lieutenant Hardin’s platoon had advanced a hundred yards it was pinned down by intense machine gun fire. Lieutenant Hardin, with complete disregard for his own safety, worked his way forward, located the concealed enemy gun position, and wiped it out with his submachine gun. His platoon then advanced until it was again stopped by fire. Again, Lieutenant Hardin courageously braved intense fire, moving forward until he located the gun. He pinned the enemy down withy his submachine gun until he was within thirty yards of their position and destroyed them with grenades. While he was so engaged, an enemy soldier wounded him in both legs with grenades. He killed that enemy and after having his wounds dressed by a medical Corpsman continued to lead his platoon in the attack. The heroic, inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Hardin; his courage and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.