"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty. Capt. Galt, Battalion S3, at a particularly critical period
following 2 unsuccessful attacks by his battalion, of his own volition
went forward and ascertained just how critical the situation was. He
volunteered, at the risk of his life, personally to lead the battalion
against the objective. When the lone remaining tank destroyer refused to
go forward, Capt. Galt jumped on the tank destroyer and ordered it to
precede the attack. As the tank destroyer moved forward, followed by a
company of riflemen, Capt. Galt manned the .30-caliber machinegun in the turret of the tank destroyer, located and directed fire on an enemy 77mm. anti-tank gun,
and destroyed it. Nearing the enemy positions, Capt. Galt stood fully
exposed in the turret, ceaselessly firing his machinegun and tossing hand grenades into the enemy zigzag series of trenches despite the hail of sniper
and machinegun bullets ricocheting off the tank destroyer. As the tank
destroyer moved, Capt. Galt so maneuvered it that 40 of the enemy were
trapped in one trench. When they refused to surrender, Capt. Galt
pressed the trigger of the machinegun and dispatched every one of them. A
few minutes later an 88mm shell struck the tank destroyer and Capt. Galt fell mortally wounded
across his machinegun. He had personally killed 40 Germans and wounded
many more. Capt. Galt pitted his judgment and superb courage against
overwhelming odds, exemplifying the highest measure of devotion to his
country and the finest traditions of the U.S. Army."
From Capt. Galt's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 1, 1945.
A painting of Galt's heroic deed.
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