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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Dwight Steve Varner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Tunisia, North Africa, during the period from 5 to 10 May 1943. On 5 May 1943, Lieutenant Varner’s unit was in action against German and Italian forces during an American Tank Attack, when his tank was knocked out of action, and he and his tank crew were captured and held as prisoners of war. Two days later after a 40 mile march by the German Afrika Corps, when Lieutenant Varner came face to face with several Italians, he made them believe he was armed by threateningly pressing outward on a teaspoon held in his pocket and they lined up and Lieutenant Varner and his tank’s gun loader were able to escape. A short time later, 8 Italians in a truck were also captured when Lieutenant Varner again successfully used the same ruse to compel their surrender. Further down the road, he again used the ruse to capture 17 more Germans. He and his gun loader then loaded all the prisoners into the two vehicles they had taken and dove them, unchallenged, to friendly lines. First Lieutenant Varner’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.