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 (Infantry) A. Thomas Rowe (ASN: 0-411276), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Algeria, on 8 November 1942. First Lieutenant Rowe distinguished himself while conducting the abandonment by his men of their ship. The ship was brought under heavy fire and set afire. First Lieutenant Rowe, with complete disregard for his own welfare, went into the hold where men were wounded and overcome by ammonia gas; carried these men to the deck; put life preservers on them and put them into the water. During this time the deck was raked by heavy machine gun fire. First Lieutenant Rowe’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 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.