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 First Class Henry F. Howington, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 8 November 1944. Private First Class Howington was serving as a member of a rocket-launching team supporting Company A of his Infantry Regiment against La Betite, France. When the attacking troops reached the town, they were pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire. Perceiving this, Private Howington picked up a nearby enemy automatic weapon and with complete disregard for his own safety, charged the machine gun position, killing three of the enemy and destroying the gun. Private First Class Howington’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 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.