(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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John H. Landers, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 217th Field Artillery Battalion, 44th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Schalbach, Loraine, France, on 25 November 1944. On that date, Second Lieutenant Landers’ battery was attacked by a heavy German force in an effort to turn the SEVENTH Army Flank and create a break which would stop the invasion of Alsace. After a heavy German bombardment of the battery, a crack Panzer Division attacked, led by a tank squadron, but under Second Lieutenant Landers’ direction the battery held tis fire until the enemy tanks were almost upon them, and then opened with a withering fire which destroyed the leading tanks and turned the others back. Although wounded during the battle, Second Lieutenant Landers remained and his post, and after his radio operator was killed, he operated the radio himself. Second Lieutenant Landers’ 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 44th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.