The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Elmer Ellsworth Lent (ASN: 0-1288575), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Tunisia, on 4 April 1943. After both the Platoon Leader and the Platoon Sergeant of a platoon in a critical position had become casualties, in the early stages of an enemy night attack on his company sector, Second Lieutenant Lent moved from a reserve position, took command of the platoon, reorganized it under heavy hand-grenade and machine-pistol fire, re-established the defense and broke up the enemy attack. Second Lieutenant Lent’s clear thinking, sound judgment and quick action under the stress of close-in night fighting were largely responsible for retaining the Division’s only vital observation point. Second Lieutenant Lent was killed later in the night but his outstanding leadership inspired his entire regiment and his actions were manifest in the strength and determination imparted to his men. Second Lieutenant Lent’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.