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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Everett E. Pruitt (ASN: 0-1289319), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader in an Infantry Company of the 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division in action against enemy forces on 30 December 1944, in Germany. On that date, Lieutenant Pruitt led a six-man patrol across the remains of a destroyed bridge over the Roer River in Germany. When three of his men stepped on enemy mines, becoming casualties, he rendered first aid and ordered his squad to withdraw, dispatching one man to return for litter bearers. Though the area was now heavily subjected to enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Pruitt, with no thought for his own personal safety, alternately fired upon an advancing enemy patrol and assisted his wounded men. When his carbine became jammed, he hurled hand grenades at the enemy, holding them back while his men crossed the bridge. Learning that one of his men was not present, he courageously started to return to the scene of the fighting, despite the known dangers of the mine field and the lurking enemy troops. As he advanced across the bridge, he heard the missing man call to him, saying that he had reached safety by swimming the river. The devotion to duty and great leadership of Lieutenant Pruitt were an inspiration to all. His extraordinary heroism and courageous actions exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.