Eric T. Place

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eric T. Place, Lieutenant, 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.