The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant [then Corporal] Kevin A. McCarthy (ASN: 20710472), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces in crossing the enemy’s lines to rescue Marines who had been trapped during heavy fighting on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 26 October 1942. Attempting an escape from a surrounded outpost, eighteen Marines who had eluded their captors thus far, made their way across a forty yard field of fire to infantry troops, then engaging the enemy. Observing the precariousness of their position between riflemen and a machine gun, Sergeant McCarthy, on his own initiative, risked his life to drive a gun carrier into enemy territory three times and return with all eighteen men. Most of them were completely exhausted or badly wounded and had to be helped into the carrier while under heavy enemy fire. However, Sergeant McCarthy directed the rescue with such calmness and dispatch that there were not further casualties. Sergeant McCarthy’s extraordinary heroism, 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.