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 Staff Sergeant Thomas Raymond Brazil (ASN: 34703621), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 14 July 1944. When his squad was forced to withdraw from the scene of bitter fighting, Staff Sergeant Brazil remained concealed behind a hedgerow and observed the enemy place a machine gun at his former anti-tank gun position. Courageously and with complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled to within several feet of the hostile gun and crew, pulled a pin from a fragmentation hand grenade, held it momentarily and hurled it at the enemy. The grenade burst in the air, killing five of the enemy and wounding two others. Manning the anti-tank which his squad had abandoned, he completely destroyed a second weapon with his initial shot and caused several casualties among its crew. Staff Sergeant Brazil’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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.