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 Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel] Roger Gardet, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in France, from 24 to 26 September 1944. A battalion commander in Libya and Tunisia and commander of a regiment combat team in Italy, where he displayed rare qualities of leadership and courage, Colonel Gardet assumed command of a brigade during the allied operations in southern France. During exceptionally severe fighting lasting through 24, 25 and 26 September 1944, Colonel Gardet again demonstrated his tactical skill, determination, and bravery under fire in extremely difficult circumstances. Leading his brigade against stubborn resistance, he succeeded in capturing two heavily defended villages and pushing rapidly beyond them, throwing the enemy into a state of complete confusion by his bold maneuver. The gallant leadership and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Gardet reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.