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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) George Henry Gowdy, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Artillery Forward Observer with the 65th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 7 June 1944. As Artillery Forward Observer, Lieutenant Gowdy placed himself at the head of a point leading to the advance along the highway toward Carentan. As it moved down the narrow high-banked road, the point was subjected to intense and devastating fire. Lieutenant Gowdy risked being crushed by the lead tank by crawling under it so that he could see down the road. When the tank withdrew and left his quarter-ton truck exposed on the road, Lieutenant Gowdy rallied he men and retrieved the vehicle without which he could not direct fire. To prevent an advance by enemy forces, Lieutenant Gowdy took upon himself the heavy responsibility of adjusting, by ear as observation was impossible, artillery fire on the enemy troops within 50 yards of himself and his own men. His 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.