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 (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Jack Richard Dewitt (ASN: 0-1014586), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 19th Armored Infantry Battalion, 14th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 1 January 1945, near Baerenthal, France. When the enemy launched a determined attack against the Task Force Command Post to which his unit was assigned, Captain DeWitt skillfully led his platoon for three hours in the successful defense of the position. With additional support, he then assumed the offensive and, pressing his attack, forced the stubborn hostile force to withdraw fifteen hundred yards to the rear, thus relieving pressure upon this vital installation. Later, displacing his platoon forward to advantageous terrain, Captain DeWitt, despite continuous small arms, mortar and artillery fire, successfully held up a strongly reinforced enemy column until his unit was relieved. The exemplary courage, fearless leadership and devotion to duty displayed by Captain DeWitt, during this action, reflect great credit upon himself and are in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.