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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) John Potts Brewster (ASN: 0-258370), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 740th Field Artillery Battalion, 402d Field Artillery Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces in action in Germany, on 5 April 1945. On that date, while on a reconnaissance mission near Drussigackep, Germany, Colonel Brewster and his party were ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force. Exhibiting heroic leadership he engaged the enemy in a fierce fire fight and was directing spirited resistance against the enemy forces when he was mortally wounded and carried to a nearby dugout by his companions. Despite his wounds he gallantly attempted to assist in the defense of their surrounded position until captured by overwhelming hostile forces. Colonel Brewster’s courageous actions and supreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.