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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Lucius Walton (ASN: 0-22734), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 9 November 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Walton was directing an attack north of the Hannibois Woods. He personally led elements of Company F and Company G through heavy enemy fire, inspiring his men by his fearless leadership. When an enemy machine gun fired at his group, killing a sergeant and wounding several other enlisted men, Lieutenant Colonel Walton boldly walked directly to the position, placed effective fire upon it, destroying the gun and killing the crew. During this action he was hit three times but despite his wounds he courageously continued to lead his troops on to the objective. Lieutenant Colonel Walton then returned through heavy enemy mortar fire to his forward observation post and directed the advance of the Battalion until the operation was completed. Lieutenant Colonel Walton’s intrepid leadership was inspirational to his troops; his personal courage and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.