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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Captain] James Dempsey Allgood, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company in the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 10 July 1944. During a strong enemy counterattack, Lieutenant Colonel Allgood secured a rocket launcher and, in the face of direct fire, advanced to within 10 yards of an enemy tank and disabled it with one round. He then threw a grenade into the turret, killing the crew and silencing its guns. On another occasion he walked across a fire-swept field, administered aid to a wounded man and carried him to safety. Throughout the entire engagement, Lieutenant Colonel Allgood personally led his troops in assaulting and neutralizing strong points, resulting in 200 Germans killed or captured, four tanks destroyed and the company objective secured. Captain Allgood’s outstanding leadership, 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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.