Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company M, 302nd Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division "Neuf-Cats", U.S. Army (Company M, 302nd Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division "Neuf-Cats", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wallace M. Gallant, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 March 1945 near Lampaden in Germany.

During a fierce counterattack near Lampaden, Germany, Sergeant Gallant courageously refused to withdraw with his machine gun section and remained at the gun position to kill ten, capture six and repulse the remainder of the attacking Germans. He continued his aggressive actions and when the enemy attempted a withdrawal two days later he brought deadly fire to bear on their positions, killing sixty and pinning down a large number so that friendly artillery fire could be accurately adjusted to inflict heavy casualties. Sergeant Gallant's dauntless tenacity and unflinching devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 94th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 157 (1945).