The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Rufus V. Sargent, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division on the FIFTH Army front in Italy from 7 to 8 November 1943. Finding himself under an intense enemy machine pistol, machinegun, mortar, artillery and grenade fire, delivered from as close as 25 yards, Sergeant Sargent refused relief and voluntarily continued to man and fire his machinegun for a period of twelve hours in the face of two hostile counterattacks. Even though the enemy penetrated the positions of his battalion, he continued to meet the enemy with a hail of withering fire until the counterattacks were broken. Through his heroic devotion to duty, he materially aided in the successful repulse of the counterattack, protecting his Division’s right flank, and maintaining his battalion’s position. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.