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 Technical Sergeant Manford (Hanford) Buckhannon Lauderdale (ASN: 39078785), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on a ridge leading up to Hill 380, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 6 December 1944. Technical Sergeant Lauderdale was commanding the 1st Platoon of Company C as it worked their way up a spur ridge which led to Hill 380. After reaching the crest of the steep ridge, heavy fire from Japanese machine guns halted all further advances. Technical Sergeant Lauderdale rushed forward to take charge of the leading elements, and as he did so, was struck down by shrapnel. Refusing to stop for medical aid, he remained in command, and together with an officer, directed the attack until he was hit again with another serious wound. Realizing that a withdrawal was now necessary, Technical Sergeant Lauderdale ordered his platoon’s second-in-command to move the wounded down the ridge. With the officer dead, and realizing that he himself was too severely wounded to withdraw, he remained behind to cover the withdrawal until he was wounded for a third time, this time mortally. Technical Sergeant Lauderdale’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, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.