Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf", U.S. Army

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf", U.S. Army

By direction of the President, under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 september 1943, as amended, and under authority contained in Circular No. 32, Headquarters European Theater of Operations, United States Army, 20 March 1944, as amended, the Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to:
First Lieutenant Everett E. Pruitt, 01289319, Infantry, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 30 December 1944, Lieutenant Pruitt, a platoon leader, led a six-man patrol across the remains of a destroyed bridge over the Roer River in Germany. When three of his men stepped on enemy mines, becoming casualties, he rendered first aid and ordered his squad to withdraw, dispatching one man to return for litter bearers. Though the area was now heavily subjected to enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Pruitt, with no thought for his own personal safety, alternately fired upon an advancing enemy patrol and assisted his wounded men. When his carbine became jammed, he hurled hand grenades at the enemy, holding them back while his men crossed the bridge. Learning that one of his men was not present, he courageously started to return to the scene of the fighting, despite the known dangers of the mine field and the lurking enemy troops. As he advanced across the bridge, he heard the missing man call to him, saying that he had reached safety by swimming the river. The devotion to duty and great leadership of Lieutenant Pruitt were an inspiration to all. His extraordinary heroism and courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Texas.