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 Merl Hershel Todd (ASN: 39376000), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 9 January 1945 at Hatten, France, Sergeant Todd was commanding an outpost platoon 800 yards in front of the main line of resistance when it was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. Skillfully organizing his men, Sergeant Todd directed the defense of their position and repulsed three fanatical enemy attacks. During this action, he was seriously wounded in the leg, but refused medical attention until the enemy attack had been repulsed. When the ammunition was almost exhausted, Sergeant Todd, realizing the seriousness of the situation, proceeded under heavy enemy small arms fire to an exposed hilltop where he could reconnoiter for a safe route of withdrawal. Ignoring the intense German fire and despite the painful wound in his leg, he motioned the men to join him and led them to within 200 yards of safety. Here, the men encountered strong enemy fire that mortally wounded Sergeant Todd, but by heroic effort he succeeded in leading his men back safely. His heroic actions were responsible for the successful defense of the vital position. They reflect great credit on him and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.