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 Staff Sergeant Gail Hamilton Belmont (ASN: 6895257), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 2d Ranger Battalion, Provisional Ranger Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, at Au Guay, France. On that date, the forward elements of his company were trapped by enemy machine guns on both flanks and to the front. Sergeant Belmont picked up an abandoned enemy machine gun and opened fire against the enemy. Although his position was exposed to and only fifty yards from the enemy, Sergeant Belmont succeeded in his voluntary purpose of drawing the enemy fire on himself, thus allowing his troops to advance. He received first aid for wounds received during the encounter only after the faithful fulfillment of this duty, and while returning to the beach to receive further medical attention, he captured two of the enemy. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Sergeant Belmont reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.