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 Sergeant Arthur Joseph O’Keefe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in southwest Sicily, on 4 August 1943. As a leader, Sergeant O’Keefe led the bayonet charge on his company’s objective. Although wounded four times, he pressed the attack, being the first to occupy the objective. He directed a successful repulse of an enemy counterattack but was wounded several times more. Because of the extraordinary heroism, determination, perseverance and aggressive leadership displayed, Sergeant O’Keefe reflected the finest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflected great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.