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 Richard Starr Sutliffe (ASN: 32207691), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 16 July 1943. When deadly oblique fire from an enemy pillbox pinned down our advancing troops on Kulage Hill, New Georgia, Staff Sergeant Sutliffe left his covered position to attack the attention of a supporting tank crew. Standing upright, he signaled for it to follow him. He led it under heavy automatic weapons fire to within 10 yards of the highly camouflaged position. He then knelt beside the tank and when our fire drove the enemy out, he shot three and possibly four. At great risk to his own life, he then entered the burning pillbox to recover an enemy officer’s case containing maps, documents, and messages, and continued his search for additional information until driven away by enemy flames. Staff Sergeant Sutliffe showed outstanding courage and fortitude in saving the lives of many of his comrades and enabling his company to advance and complete its mission. Staff Sergeant Sutliffe’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 and the United States Army.