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 Colonel (Infantry) H. K. Wesson (ASN: 0-315207), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 28 July 1944. Colonel Wesson personally led the completion of an American battalion breakthrough which ultimately contributed in the disastrous defeat of the 7th German Parachute Regiment in his sector. The enemy frustrated two attacks by one company which had but 40 men left when Colonel Wesson, with utter disregard for his life, proceeded unhesitatingly to the foremost elements of the company. Reassuring the weary and exhausted soldiers, he reorganized the remnants for an all-out assault which would bring the company abreast of the remainder of the battalion. Completely unmindful of his own extreme danger, he directed a mortar barrage upon the strongpoint and then personally led an assault platoon over a dangerous hedgerow and across a bullet-flayed field. The first to reach enemy dugouts, he hurled several grenades upon the emplacements, destroying a machine gun nest and capture 14 German paratroopers. The momentum of the vicious assault under the valiant leadership of Colonel Wesson, carried the company forward to its objective, thus completing the battalion breakthrough. Colonel Wesson’s outstanding leadership, 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 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.