(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Walker Byrd Sorrell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 235th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1108th Engineer Group (Separate), FIFTH U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces at the Rapido River Valley, Italy, on 28 and 29 January 1944. Captain Sorrell discovered a round-a-bout route by which tanks could cross the Rapido River and furnish devastating, close support for hand-pressed infantry. He personally reconnoitered the route on foot over enemy mine fields in the face of heavy artillery fire. He ascertained that tank crossings were flooded in the Rapido River Valley, and the next morning, still under heavy fire, supervised the demolition of obstacles to clear the tank route, and personally lugged 50 pounds of dynamite to a demolition site in daylight and under constant enemy fire. He then rode the lead tank across under fire from German snipers to assure the commander of its feasibility. Captain Sorrell’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.