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 Private Lawrence F. Sprague (ASN: 35280076), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Tarakena, New Guinea, on 12 January 1943, during the Papuan Campaign. Volunteering as a member of a small patrol, Private Raymond Judd and Private Lawrence Sprague swam the swollen and rapidly flowing Konombi River in broad daylight and under heavy enemy fire. With complete disregard for their own safety, and armed only with pistols and hand grenades, they assisted in towing a rope to the opposite bank to aid the crossing of the river by a platoon of Infantry. The successful accomplishment of this dangerous mission permitted the advance of the entire company and the securing of a bridgehead on the opposite shore. Private Sprague’s 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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.