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 Captain (Field Artillery) Harry Leon Gentry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 58th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in action against the German Army on 10 July 1944, near Lex Juies, France. Although subjected to and wounded by constant enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and rifle fire, Captain Gentry consistently directed such accurate artillery fire on enemy formations that several enemy counter-attacks were broken in their initial stages. In one intense enemy counter-attack, during which the infantry started to withdraw, he voluntarily assumed the role of an infantry officer and, exposing himself to enemy mortar and small arms fire, personally led an attack which silenced an enemy machine gun. Still exposing himself to intense enemy fire, he went among the men, encouraging them and urging them to hold their ground. Captain Gentry’s gallant leadership, personal courage 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 Infantry Division, and the United States Army.