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 Bennie L. Guffey (ASN: 06584654), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Capua, Italy, on 13 October 1943. While leading his squad in an assault on the enemy side of the Volturno River, Sergeant Guffey stepped on a mine in the dark and, from the resulting explosion, suffered four wounds. He refused to go to the rear for medical aid and continued to lead his squad. During the attack, his platoon leader was killed by enemy machine gun fire, and Sergeant Guffey immediately braved intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire to assure himself that each man of the platoon had suitable cover. He continued with the attack until he was wounded again, this time severely, by enemy shell fire. Still refusing to be evacuated, he rallied the uninjured members of his squad and started to lead them forward, but fell to the ground exhausted from his many wounds. Sergeant Guffey’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.