The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Joseph Jasper Gregory (ASN: 0-1108697), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, Special Engineer Task Force (Provisional), Engineer Special Brigade Group (Gap Assault Team No. 10), FIRST U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944. Lieutenant Gregory commanded a boat team which landed on the coast of France at H plus 3 minutes of D-Day. By continuously moving about the beach, placing demolition charges, and blowing gaps in the obstacles existing, he made it possible for the following waves of troops to accomplish their landing. Having completed several demolitions, Lieutenant Gregory was wounded in trying to move two tanks which were drawing considerable fire on a position where a large number of wounded men were being cared for. Despite the fragment in his thigh he continued to give instructions to his men until approximately four hours after the landing, at which time he remained behind on the beach to assist in the treatment of the wounded, refusing to be evacuated himself in order that he could continue his work. Shortly afterward, while attempting to rejoin his men, he received a second wound which proved fatal. The deed accomplished by Lieutenant Gregory, without regard for his own personal safety, was one of the deciding factors in the successful completion of the assaulting forces in his sector. The gap cut through the beach obstacles made it possible for our forces to continue to land badly needed reinforcements throughout the day regardless of the stage of the tide. First Lieutenant Gregory’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.