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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Vernon Nelson Bland (ASN: 0-1321737), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Tendon, France, from 26 to 29 September 1944. During this period the battalion was engaged in bitter fighting for possession of a strategically located hill. On two occasions Lieutenant Bland was assigned to the mission of destroying hostile machine gun positions, which delayed the advance of the battalion. Both times he led his men in assaulting these position, eliminating the enemy guns with his large volume of accurate fire. While another company was advancing through a densely wooded area, heavy artillery and mortar shelling inflicted heavy casualties on the unit, wounding the platoon leader and sergeant of the first platoon. Aware that the loss of a leader might result in disorganization and a panic, Lieutenant Bland left his own platoon under the command of a sergeant, fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile fire, and moved to the first platoon. He swiftly reorganized the platoon and led it to an advantageous position, inspiring the men by his courage and intrepidity. Later the same day while checking his own platoon’s position he was killed by an enemy sniper. First Lieutenant Bland’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.