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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Rufus England O’Farrell, Jr. (ASN: 0-492789), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 15 April 1943, in Tunisia. Second Lieutenant O’Farrell was leading his platoon across open terrain in the assault of **** Gap, and was wounded, but continued to advance on an enemy machine gun nest and demanded it surrender. When the demand was refused, he fired tracers on the position until his gun jammed. Again wounded, this time mortally, he exposed himself further to draw fire while his platoon flanked the position and captured the objective. In spite of his wounds, he called his platoon sergeant, gave him final instructions for continuing the attack, and refused to permit any of his men to stay behind to aid him. Second Lieutenant O’Farrell’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.