The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Robert Austin Tedford (ASN: RA-6573405), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Tank Commander with the 25th Armored Reconnaissance Company, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Tedford distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pongon-ni, Korea, on 12 August 1950. Master Sergeant Tedford led his tank and one other tank into Pongon-ni with the mission of dislodging the enemy and supporting the unit’s supply route. Realizing he was greatly outnumbered upon entering the town, he exposed himself in his turret to obtain better visibility in directing his driver and gunner. Sergeant Tedford refused to close the hatch on his tank and remained exposed while employing the .50 caliber machine-gun, and delivered a deadly hail fire into the ranks of the enemy. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he continued to fire his weapon at the enemy until he was killed. The accuracy of Sergeant Tedford’s fire accounted for approximately fifty enemy dead, and his actions contributed materially to reopening the main supply route. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Master Sergeant Tedford on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.