Hugh Barbee Mott

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Hugh Barbee Mott, First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of 2d Platoon, Company B, 9th Armored Engineer Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 7 March 1945, in Germany. On that date, Lieutenant Mott led assault on Ludendorff Railroad Bridge, outside town of Remagen, Germany. This was the last fully intact bridge across the Rhine River. Explosives placed by the German army were set to destroy the bridge, thus slowing the allies’ crossing of the Rhine. On 7 March 1945 at approximately 1600 hours, Lieutenant Mott, assisted by two sergeants, charged the bridge and cut demolition wires, thus preventing the destruction of the bridge. The bridge stood 10 days after this, enough time for the engineers to build a pontoon bridge slightly south of the Ludendorff Railroad Bridge. First Lieutenant Mott’s gallant 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.