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 Private First Class Barry Cranfill, Jr. (ASN: 35097195), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with a rifle platoon of the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 26 to 29 May 1944, in Italy. Private First Class Cranfill, with utter disregard for his own safety, went about a field which was under attack looking for casualties, treating everyone he found, including enemy soldiers. For four successive days he sought out the wounded who lay in fire-swept areas. It was on 29 May, while advancing with his platoon up a hill at Private First Class Cranfill again exhibited the highest courage when he left his place of cover and proceeded through an extremely heavy artillery concentration to give aid to several casualties. He was killed by shell fragments. Private First Class Cranfill’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 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.