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 Staff Sergeant Cecil L. Crane (ASN: 20943076), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 17 January 1943. As leader of a platoon, Staff Sergeant Crane was acting as advance point of his company at Guadalcanal, when he came upon an enemy machine gun installation and received a head wound which later proved fatal. Nevertheless, he advanced almost on top of the enemy, reorganized the platoon and directed its fire until the enemy position was knocked out. Staff Sergeant Crane’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 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.