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 Technician Fifth Grade Earl Wallace Barton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 66th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 4 January 1945. Technician Fifth Grade Barton and a comrade went to the aid of wounded men in a damaged medium tank, although they were excellent targets in light of the burning tank. The two men carried the wounded back to a tank ambulance which quickly evacuated them. While performing this dangerous mission, artillery shells were dropping all around him, and one shell bounced off the rear deck of his tank, but without regard to his personal safety, he continued his life-saving mission. Technician Fifth Grade Barton’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 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.