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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Erwin Lance, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer of Company B, 406th Infantry Regiment, 102d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 26 February 1945. Observing a number of Germans occupying a by-passed enemy emplacement and preparing to direct fire on the rear of the assault echelon, First Lieutenant Lance charged the position killing two of the enemy. While rejoining the attacking riflemen, he killed four additional enemy soldiers who had made their way unobserved to a threatening position on the flank. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of First Lieutenant Lance prevented numerous casualties among his men and are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.