(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 Technician Fifth Grade James G. Leitheiser, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 66th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces near Weyersheim, France, on 19 January 1945. Technician Fifth Grade Leitheiser was a member of the crew of an M-8 assault gun mounted on a light tank chassis when he encountered an enemy Tiger Tank. A number of American Infantry were pinned down the Tiger and the gun commander ordered his men to shoot at the Tiger, even though there was no chance they could destroy the tank, but he hoped they would be able to disable the enemy tank by shooting at the treads. The Tiger tank was diverted by this action, allowing the infantrymen to escape, but not before it destroyed Technician Fifth Grade Leitheiser’s gun and killed the intrepid gun commander and two other members of the crew. Technician Fifth Grade Leitheiser was the only survivor. Technician Fifth Grade Leitheiser’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 and the United States Army.