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 Private Gordon Wayne Eoff, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. While on a volunteer patrol to protect linesmen who were attempting to restore communications to a company in the forward area, Private Eoff saw one of the other members of the patrol wounded by the heavy enemy sniping and automatic weapons fire in that area. With admirable courage, Private Eoff crawled forward into the intense enemy fire, administered first aid to the wounded man, and succeeded in dragging him out of the immediate danger zone. Private Eoff’s conspicuous courage and determination were an inspiration to the men of his unit. His 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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.