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 (Cavalry) George Peuris Whittington, Jr. (ASN: 0-403921), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 2d Ranger Battalion, Provisional Ranger Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Captain Whittington commanded a Ranger company which landed on the coast of France at “H” hour. The landing was made on the beach against heavy rifle, machine gun, mortar, artillery and rocket fire of the enemy. Despite this fire, he personally supervised the breaching of hostile barbed wire and obstacles by the use of Bangalores. He then led his company and the remainder of his battalion through the gap created. He then directed the scaling of a 100-foot cliff by his company. When he reached the top of the cliff he crawled under enemy machine gun fire and destroyed the enemy position. Captain Whittington’s bravery, aggressiveness and inspired leadership exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.