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 Rolfe A. Spahr (ASN: 17003632), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cevaro, Italy, on 4 January 1944. During a fierce engagement with enemy forces the advance of an attacking company was halted with the third platoon well in advance of the second platoon on its right. The Platoon leader of the second platoon was wounded, and temporarily the unit became ineffective as a fighting team. When the Germans realized the situation they attempted to cut off and surround the third platoon. Staff Sergeant Spahr, platoon sergeant of the third platoon, immediately realized the precarious position of his unit. Unhesitatingly he crossed open fields for a distance of 100 yards under heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire to reach the second platoon and inform its leader of the situation. Upon finding the second platoon leader wounded, he hastily rallied the members of the platoon and personally led an attack to save his own unit. This maneuver saved the third platoon from complete encirclement and enabled the company to carry out its mission successfully. The courageous and skillful leadership displayed by Staff Sergeant Spahr was an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.