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 Staff Sergeant Loval Earl Ayers (ASN: 34042485), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Prum, Germany, on 10 February 1945. On that date, enemy fire emanating from three buildings prevented Sergeant Ayers’ company from reaching its objective. Without orders from his platoon leader, he made his way toward the first house and killed two Germans who were visible at a window as he approached. He then entered the house, single-handed, and killed two more men and forced the surrender of the remaining twelve. Sergeant Ayers then returned to his unit and asked permission to repeat the process on the remaining two points of resistance. Permission was granted and two men were sent along to cover his assault. He then crept up to a point near a second building and hurled a grenade inside, followed closely by his entry, firing his automatic rifle rapidly. By employment of this daring method he successfully neutralized all resistance which had impeded his company. He killed a total of five Germans in the last two houses and captured forty-one prisoners. Staff Sergeant Ayers’ 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 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.