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 Augustus Gardner Means (ASN: 31455170), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 December 1944. During action at Bastogne, Belgium, the rifle company with which Private First Class Means was advancing was halted by intense enemy machine-gun fire. With utter contempt for the enemy this courageous soldier rose to his feet and fired four clips of ammunition before he was severely wounded. Then, arming a grenade, he slowly and painfully pulled himself forward into the raking fire, hurled the grenade into the enemy position, silencing the gun and killing the crew. Private First Class Means’ conspicuous heroism, determination, and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.