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 Private First Class Gene Lamoine Armstrong, Sr. (ASN: 33713130), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Rifleman in a Company of the 58th Armored Infantry Battalion (Separate), attached to the 8th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 March 1945, in Germany. When a hand grenade in the canteen pouch on the belt of another soldier was accidentally activated while they were riding in a half track with 7 other men, Private First Class Armstrong grasped it in an effort to either throw it or absorb as much of the blast as possible. He had been in a position from which he could have leaped to safety had he chosen to do so but this courageous and fearless soldier ignored the opportunity and the grenade exploded in his left hand. Private First Class Armstrong sustained the loss of his entire left hand and also received severe body wounds during his actions in protecting his comrades. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Armored Division, and the United States Army.