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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Orva F. Morris, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Alifo, Italy, on 21 October 1943. While advancing on Cassino and attacking near Alifo, the Infantry platoon led by Second Lieutenant Morris came upon an open stretch of terrain covered by heavy machine gun fire. Accompanied by his runner, Private First Class William Page, Lieutenant Morris started across the field to reconnoiter. He had advanced only a few paces when enemy machine guns opened fire. Confronted by an enemy machine gun nest in an irrigation ditch bisecting the field, Second Lieutenant Morris killed two of the enemy with carbine fire, while the enlisted man accounted for two others. Continuing their advance along the ditch, the officer and his assistant encountered a second enemy machine gun nest. Crawling to within 25 yards of the position, Second Lieutenant Morris and his runner opened fire with their rifles to neutralize the enemy gun. A third nest was encountered, and by crawling close to the position, Lieutenant Morris destroyed the crew with hand grenades. Second Lieutenant Morris’ 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 and the United States Army.