Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

5th Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers, British Army

Awarded on:

September 26th, 1945

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 Lieutenant Eric T. Place, Royal British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces on 8 April 1945. At the beginning of the attack by the 5th Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, on Voltlage, the enemy covered a bridge on the outskirts of the town with such heavy fire the infantry was unable to determine the utility of the bridge for the passage of friendly tanks. With cool disregard for his life, Lieutenant Place advanced alone and, determining that the bridge could be used, led his men in the attack. Despite the wound he suffered, he remained at the head of his men until the objective had been reached and secured. His exemplary courage, leadership and devotion to duty insured the successful completion of the difficult operation.

Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 264