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 Staff Sergeant Darvin Dean Purvis (ASN: 6890765), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 70th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Group (Separate), attached to the 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. In the assault on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy, Sergeant Purvis’ platoon leader was seriously wounded. Sergeant Purvis, on his own initiative, assumed command of the platoon and proceeded to lead his tank platoon down a mine-strewn road. Since at this time the route of advance was unreconnoitered and since visibility was poor from within his tank, Sergeant Purvis, despite intense enemy small arms, machine gun and artillery fire, dismounted from the tank to reconnoiter and led his unit through enemy strong points. At other times, he advanced with his head exposed from the tank as his platoon advanced across heavily fortified terrain bristling with pillboxes, mine fields, and tank traps. The personal bravery, initiative, and leadership demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Purvis exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.