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 Captain (Infantry) Cud Thomas Baird, III (ASN: 0-441536), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding an Infantry Company of the 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 8 September 1944. On that date, after receiving reports that a column of German armored vehicles were approaching friendly positions near Mairy, France, Captain Baird fearlessly advanced with a rocket launcher and with deadly accurate fire disabled the lead vehicle, blocking the defile against further advance by the remainder of the column. As hostile infantry deployed across the fields to each side of the road for a fierce fire fight, he continued his aggressive actions, disabling a second armored vehicle even though his position had become the object of a heavy concentration of fire. When his ammunition was exhausted, he went back for more, and although wounded by enemy shell fire shortly afterwards, returned to reorganize his company and lead them in a complete rout of the enemy forces. Captain Baird’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 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.