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 Private Earl F. Gormley (ASN: 31392049), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces near Vaimestroff, France, on 12 November 1944. While en route to deliver a message to a machine gun platoon, approaching a hedgerow, Private Gormley’s keen eyes detected the barrel of an enemy 75-mm. gun jutting out and pointing in his direction. When one of the crew spotted him and fired, Private Gormley killed him with one shot and wounded another. He then boldly advanced on the gun and its crew and wounded two others. When he had crawled within hand grenade throwing distance, the gun crew marched out under a white flag to surrender, and were escorted back to the American lines. Private Gormley’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 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.