Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Unit:

Company F, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division "Iron Men of Metz", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lemuel G. Tilson, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 December 1944, in Germany. On that date, during heavy fighting in Fraulutern, Germany, the 3d Platoon, of Company F was isolated from the main body of the company by enemy action. Sergeant Tilson, realizing that casualties in the isolated platoon were without medical aid, organized a squad from his platoon to rescue them. Attacking an enemy-held building in which the wounded were held prisoners, Sergeant Tilson boldly fought his way inside, engaged the enemy in a grenade fight, and drove them from room to room until the entire building was taken. As a result of Sergeant Tilson's courageous actions the casualties were evacuated, twenty of the enemy were captured, and the company's objective was carried. Technical Sergeant Tilson's intrepid actions, 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 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 33 (1945).