Gail H. Belmont

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gail H. Belmont, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 2d Ranger Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, at Au Guay, France. Staff Sergeant Belmont was with forward elements and became trapped by enemy machine-gun fire on both flanks and to the front. Staff Sergeant Belmont picked up an abandoned enemy machine gun and opened fire. Although his position was exposed to and only 50 yards from the enemy, he succeeded in drawing enemy fire upon himself allowing his troops to advance. He was wounded and evacuated to the beach. On the way back, he captured two enemy soldiers. Staff Sergeant Belmont’s 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 and the United States Army.