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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ronal Earl Woody, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Hill 314, near Mortain, France, from 6 August to 12 August 1944. On 6 August the Battalion of which Captain Woody was a member was assigned the mission of holding the high ground around Mortain, France, and the town itself. During the night the battalion was hit by a strong and numerically superior enemy force and completely surrounded. The majority of the members of the battalion headquarters situation in the town of Mortain were eventually killed or captured with but a few managing to escape. Captain Woody immediately assumed personal direction of every phase of the action of his company and performed heroically for the entire six days of the isolation. He risked his life innumerable times in checking and encouraging his men, and though the enemy pressure was unrelenting, he displayed unsurpassed heroism. Faced with a shortage of water, food, and medical supplies, the situation at times seemingly hopeless, Captain Woody steadfastly refused when approached by the enemy with the offer of honorable surrender. Never once did he waver in his determination to hold out against almost certain defeat, realizing the disaster should the enemy gain Hill 314. His personal courage and heroic example so inspired the men that they exerted their supreme effort t hold this strategic position at all costs. First Lieutenant Woody’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, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.