Navy Federal Credit Union

After serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Wallace Gallant retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Private First Class]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    302d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    94th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 6, 1945

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 157 (July 1, 1945)

    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 Sergeant [then Private First Class] Wallace Marshall Gallant (ASN: 11122799), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 March 1945, in Germany. During a fierce counterattack near Lampaden, Germany, Sergeant Gallant courageously refused to withdraw with his machine gun section and remained at the gun position to kill ten, capture six and repulse the remainder of the attacking Germans. He continued his aggressive actions and when the enemy attempted a withdrawal two days later he brought deadly fire to bear on their positions, killing sixteen and pinning down a large number so that friendly artillery fire could be accurately adjusted to inflict heavy casualties. Sergeant Gallant’s dauntless tenacity and unflinching devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 94th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.