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 Ferdinand Pote (ASN: 3122377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 April 1943, in Tunisia. While operating with a voluntary night patrol northeast of Maknassy, Tunisia, during the night of 5 April 1943, Private First Class Pote received several wounds in his leg from an enemy machine gun. Despite his severe and painful wounds, and at the risk of more fatal injuries, he single-handedly assaulted the machine gun emplacement with hand grenades and routed the enemy from it. The undaunted courage, coolness under fire, and grit displayed by Private First Class Pote in the performance of this outstanding deed was an inspiration to his comrades which contributed materially to the success of the operation. Private First Class Pote’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.