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 Captain (Infantry) Howard Joseph Wall (ASN: 0-1299654), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, 3d Battalion, 345th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 7 February 1945. At mid-morning Company L attacked to assist in taking the 3d Battalion’s objective. As they began their march eastward along the highway, they were pinned down by machine gun fire. Captain Wall ordered two Tank Destroyers supporting his company, to move forward. As they came up, he fell in beside the vehicles, directed fire on the fortification, and put it out of action. Company L continued to advance until stopped again by a second pillbox. Directing two men to cover him, Captain Wall worked his way forward alone until he reached the entrance of the bunker. Throwing in a hand grenade, he awaited the explosion, dashed inside and emptied his submachine gun at the occupants. His heroic actions resulted in two enemy killed, six prisoners taken, another pillbox destroyed. Later that day a concentration of enemy artillery fire fell on the advancing company, wounding several men; two of whom were left lying in an exposed position. Captain Wall, again setting a stirring example of fearless leadership, single-handedly moved across the open ground and removed the two men to a sheltered area where they could be treated and evacuated. Captain Wall’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 87th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.