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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Malcolm Britten Gott (ASN: 0-1322782), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 18 March 1945. On that date, in Rederscheid, Germany, Lieutenant Gott fearlessly advanced through intense enemy artillery fire, set up an observation post in a partially destroyed building, and with utter disregard for his own safety, called for an artillery barrage on two enemy tanks which had approached to within point-blank range of the building. Although subjected to devastating fire from both the enemy tanks and friendly artillery he remained at his position and adjusted fire until the enemy tanks and supporting infantry were forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Gott’s heroic actions and unflinching devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.