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 (Corps of Engineers) Wesley Reid Ross, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commander of a Demolition Team of Company B, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, Special Engineer Task Force (Provisional), Engineer Special Brigade Group (Gap Assault Team Number 8), FIRST U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Second Lieutenant Ross, commanding a demolition team, landed at Omaha Beach on the coast of France with the initial assault wave. Though subjected to heavy enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire Second Lieutenant Ross, completely disregarding his own safety, personally led his team in breaching the beach obstacles. While engaged in this mission Second Lieutenant Ross was wounded in the legs by enemy mortar fire. Through repeated efforts were made to evacuate him, Second Lieutenant Ross insisted upon remaining with his unit until a gap was cleared through the obstacles. The valor, devotion to duty and determined leadership displayed by Second Lieutenant Ross exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.