(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 Sergeant Joseph A. Poulin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, from 4 to 17 July 1944. Captured shortly before the Normandy breakthrough, Sergeant Poulin found himself imprisoned on the second floor of a building 75 miles behind German lines. He dropped through a window to the ground and made the trek back to the front lines. En route he spied out enemy positions, strong points, emplacements, and speaking fluent French, even questioned German noncommissioned officers. In a vitally important city being bombarded by U.S. planes and artillery, Sergeant Poulin was able to learn which buildings and intersections were mined. He found that the enemy was holding the city in small force but with a great show of strength. As a result, American troops were able to capture the city within 12 hours after his return. Sergeant Poulin’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.