James F. Flowers, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Flowers, Jr., Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 712th Tank Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 11 July 1944, at the Foret de Mont Castre (Hill 122) in Normandy on a mission to rescue a battalion of the 90th infantry encircled by German troops. The platoon encountered German 88 anti-tank guns. His tank took a direct hit; 3 other tanks were also hit and nine members of the platoon were killed. Although his right foot was gone, he pulled his gunner to safety. After fighting off German infantry soldiers, flowers ordered the survivors to withdraw but he stayed on the battlefield with two other wounded men and requested that medics be sent. Before they could be rescued, Germans took the field. The next day, American artillery bombarded the area. One of the shells exploded by Lieutenant Flowers and took off his left leg just below the knee. He spent another night in the field. Second Lieutenant Flowers’ intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.