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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard L. Harris (ASN: 0-408051), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 April 1943, in the vicinity of Mateur, Tunisia. When the Commanding Officer and the main force of the 1st Battalion were captured during an attack on Hill 523, and communication with Regimental Headquarters was disrupted, 1st Lieutenant Harris organized the remaining confused, apprehensive men in a defensive position. The enemy immediately attacked with small arms, machine gun, grenades, and mortar and artillery fire. First Lieutenant Harris with complete disregard for personal safety crawled from one foxhole to another calming the men and urging them to hold at all cost. He so inspired them that though numerically outnumbered they repulsed the enemy with heavy losses. The courageous actions of First Lieutenant Harris exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.