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 Staff Sergeant Hester N. Gardner (ASN: 37705070), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 12 November 1944, near La Chappelle, France. While leading his squad in an attack against a heavily defended enemy stronghold, Sergeant Gardner was subjected to intense machine gun fire which pinned down the squad and severely wounded him in the head. Although he was the target for concentrated enemy machine gun fire, Sergeant Gardner fearlessly raised himself from the ground and continued to fire his Thompson sub-machine gun. Killing the gunner and destroying the gun, he enabled his squad to safely withdraw. Having exhausted his supply of ammunition, he dropped unconscious to the ground. By his magnificent courage and fortitude, Sergeant Gardner enabled his squad to withdraw from a precarious position and friendly mortar fire was then directed against the enemy stronghold, forcing the hostile force to withdraw in disorder. Staff Sergeant Gardner’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.