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 Corporal Eugene Leonadus LaFountain (ASN: 39389247), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 607th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Separate), in action against enemy forces on 4 December 1944, at Saarlautern-Roden, Germany. Corporal LaFountain, commanding a tank destroyer, attacked three enemy tanks, destroyed one and crippled or destroyed another. Enemy anti-tank weapons then opened fire, wounding Corporal LaFountain and killing the assistant driver. The remaining members of the crew, not realizing that Corporal LaFountain had been wounded, left the tank, protected in their withdrawal by the fire of the gallant Corporal who fought until is ammunition was exhausted. Only then did he leave his tank destroyer and permit himself to be evacuated. The cool courage and supreme devotion to duty of Corporal LaFountain exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.