Phillip H. Potter

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Phillip H. Potter, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 12th Engineer Combat Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 November 1944, in Germany. Private Potter, a light truck driver, was a member of a detail whose mission was to bridge a crater which was blocking a scheduled attack. After several attempts to take the needed equipment to the site had failed, Private Potter volunteered to drive a 25-ton bridging truck down the road. Although the road was under direct enemy observation and was subjected to violent enemy sniper, mortar, and artillery fire, he continued backing his truck to the crater, ignoring the bullets that entered the cab and pierced his clothing in several places. After assisting in placing the first span of the bridge, Private Potter returned and drove a second truck over the same dangerous route. Although the truck was riddled with shell fragments and rifle bullets, he completed his mission. Private Potter’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, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.