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) Walter Irving Berlin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 December 1944, in Germany. When devastating machine gun and rifle fire from hostile pillboxes pinned his company to the ground after it had advanced half the distance across a 1,500 yard exposed area, First Lieutenant Berlin braved the ail; of lead and reached a friendly tank 150 yards away. Climbing atop the tank, he directed its movements to a position from which deadly fire was placed upon the pillbox, completely destroying it. Though he was constantly subjected to heavy fire, he remained in his exposed position and directed effective tank fire until all enemy emplacements were knocked out, thus permitting his company to advance and seize its objective. First Lieutenant Berlin’s extraordinary heroism and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.