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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Marion L. Howard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 26 and 27 April 1945. Ambushed by an enemy patrol as he was returning with a patrol that had secured important information, Second Lieutenant Howard, after removing a seriously wounded soldier to safety, led his men in a bold attack breaking the enemy positions and evading capture. Later, encountering six enemy soldiers, he killed two, wounded one, and captured a fourth of the enemy whom he used as a guide through the heavily defended area, successfully reaching his unit with the vital information. Second Lieutenant Howard’s extraordinary heroism, 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 84th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.