Forest K. Ferguson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Forest K. Ferguson (0-1322014), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader in an Infantry Company of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. When Second Lieutenant Ferguson reached the shore he observed that the initial assault units were pinned down by the intense and heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire, and that further advance was also blocked by an extensive barbed wire obstacle. With complete disregard for his own safety, Second Lieutenant Ferguson bravely moved forward under this heavy fire with a Bangalore torpedo with which he blew a gap in the barbed wire. He then rose from his position and, while leading his troops through this gap to the enemy positions, was wounded. The personal bravery, initiative and superior leadership of Second Lieutenant Ferguson exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.