(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Richard Ferris (ASN: 32335477), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery C, 131st Field Artillery Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 9 September 1943. Private Ferris responded to a call for a volunteer cannoneer. He took a position at one of the big guns which was firing in support of Infantry units landing on the beach. Despite heavy enemy machine gun and artillery fire, Private Ferris’ gun continued to fire at the enemy shore installations. He was struck by a shell fragment but, although wounded, he insisted upon returning to action after his wound had been dressed. He continued at his post and laid down such accurate fire that his gun succeeded in silencing two enemy machine guns and two field artillery pieces, and caused four tanks to disperse. His intrepid actions enabled the Infantry to establish the beachhead, and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army.