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 Max Eugene McCarthy (ASN: 36714084), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on ** July 1943, at ***, Sicily. During an enemy counterattack with about eight tanks, Private McCarthy manned an anti-tank gun and succeeded in destroying two of the tanks. He continued firing at the remaining tanks until they closed on his position and destroyed his gin with a direct hit. Private McCarthy was seriously wounded, but his heroic actions were an inspiration to his comrades and contributed directly to the repulse of the counterattack. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Private McCarthy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.