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) Jack Scott Gerrie (ASN: 0-389065), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, 2d Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action on 23 and 24 August 1944, in the vicinity of Fountainbleau, France. Captain Gerrie was commanding officer of our advance forces in the establishment of a bridgehead over the Seine River. Under heavy fire, this officer, accompanied by an enlisted man, paddled a canoe across the river which was almost 200 yards in width and upon reaching the far shore, crawled up to high ground to observe and determine the location of the enemy’s positions. Captain Gerrie was pinned down by heavy enemy fire when his position was discovered. The enlisted man re-crossed the river, still under fire, to direct troops over to the enemy shore, but finding this impossible because of the intense fire, he built up a strong firing line. Under cover of this friendly fire Captain Gerrie was able to swim back across the river and rejoin his company. Captain Gerrie’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, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.