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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hugh James Allcorn, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Tunisia, North Africa, in April 1943. The enemy scored a hit with artillery and mortar fire on an ammunition dump, and set off smoke pots which enabled the enemy to adjust his fire. Lieutenant Allcorn tried to put out the fire with dirt but had to keep running back to his foxhole because of the heavy shelling. Finally, he carried the 10-pound cases of smoke pots to his foxhole and covered them with dirt. Lieutenant Allcorn suffered severe hand burns during this heroic action but his quick thinking and coolness under fire, and, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he saved much-needed ammunition and supplies from destruction, and spared the men in the vicinity from injury or death. Second Lieutenant Allcorn’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.