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 Private Edward Lewis Royal, Jr. (ASN: 18044574), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 165th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the Ryukyu Islands, on 21 April 1945. During an attack on the heavily defended village of Gusukuma, Okinawa, Company A, 165th Infantry Regiment, was pinned down by devastating fire from a series of enemy emplacements strategically situated to sweep an open field which was the only route of approach for the attacking force. One machine gun in particular, which our troops were unable to locate, was blocking the progress of the company. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Private Royal, a rocket launcher operator, voluntarily crawled under intense enemy fire to a nearby knoll which afforded clear observation of the enemy defenses. It was on this exposed knoll that two comrades previously had lost their lives during the same operation. Locating the hostile emplacement, which continued to deliver withering fire, he raised his launcher and fired three rockets directly into the position. Although the enemy concentrated all their fire power upon him, he completely demolished the stronghold, but was mortally wounded after releasing the last rocket. Through outstanding gallantry and unremitting determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Private Royal made possible his company’s retention of an otherwise untenable position and set an example of heroism worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.