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Pfc Maurice L. Tyler Jr. attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) for two years in Class of 1944.

He joined the Army in Lexington, Virginia on 2 June 1942.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross medal posthumously for his action on the day of his death. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Regimental Headquarters, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces. On 1 April 1945 near Vockenrot, Germany, Pfc Tyler, an automatic rifleman in an intelligence and reconnaissance platoon, was acting as scout in an escape jeep during a forward reconnaissance mission. Advancing towards the enemy, the platoon was suddenly subjected to intense German machine gun fire, that destroyed the inter-platoon radio set and disrupted communications. Private Tyler and the men in the escape-vehicle were ordered to withdraw for reinforcements. Returning with reinforcements to aid the members of his platoon, pinned down by the enemy machine gun fire, Pfc Tyler advanced to within 200 yards of the German positions, where he opened fire with his automatic rifle and inflicted several casualties. Immediately, the enemy returned withering fire from all flanks. Pfc Tyler, with complete disregard for his personal safety, calmly directed machine gun fire on the hostile positions. Completely ignoring the fire concentrated on himself, he advanced directly into the hail of enemy bullets, firing short bursts from his automatic weapon and designating targets for the machine gunner. Disregarding an order to withdraw to safety, Pfc Tyler pushed steadily forward against the German positions until he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and exemplify the finest traditions of the United States Infantryman.