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 Staff Sergeant Ira Lynn Meredith (ASN: 34185982), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 June 1944, in France. On that date, as the first and second platoons of his company were advancing upon a hill, the enemy opened up with machine gun, mortar and rifle fire upon them from both flanks. Although wounded by the rifle fire, without delaying to think of his own safety, Staff Sergeant Meredith charged a machine gun position and succeeded in killing several of the enemy and destroying the gun. In his assault he was again wounded, but valiantly continued to advance upon the enemy until he fell dead. His complete devotion to duty, gallantry and heroic determination, at the cost of his own life, reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.