Robert H. Meade

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert H. Meade, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 253d Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 8 April 1945, near Zuttlingen, Germany. When his company was unable to enter the town because of heavy enemy machine gun activity, Captain Meade, armed with an M- 1 rifle, moved out alone toward the objective. His daring attack resulted in the capture of fourteen SS men and completely unnerved the strongly entrenched enemy. Advancing through the town under sniper fire, he located the mayor and then forced more than one hundred hostile civilians to cease resistance. Captain Meade’s courageous action achieved, single-handedly, the surrender of the town. His outstanding initiative and gallantry exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.