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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Clair John Boyle, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery A, 383d Field Artillery Battalion, 103d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Itterswiller, France, on 29 and 30 November 1944. As Forward Observer for his Battery, Second Lieutenant Boyle was accompanying a company of the 410th Infantry Regiment when German mortars and 88-mm. guns made casualties of the company’s captain, executive officer, and two platoon leaders. Second Lieutenant Boyle took over command of the company and for two days and nights led his men in an attack that routed the Germans from a commanding mountain position and later, with another company of the 410th Infantry Regiment, he charged into Itterswiller to capture the town. Throughout the entire action, he continued to perform is artillery observation duties. He directed fire that silenced two 88-mm. guns that were menacing his company’s advance, brought a direct hit on one tank, and forced a second enemy tank to withdraw. Second Lieutenant Boyle’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 and the United States Army.