The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Clayton Eugene Averson (ASN: 6992206), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Reconnaissance Company, 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion (Heavy), in action against enemy forces on 1 February 1943, in the vicinity of Sened, Tunisia. When the vehicle which Staff Sergeant Averson commanded was hit by an enemy shell, set afire, and put out of action, he and one of his men were seriously injured. After ordering the rest of his crew to return to safety, and despite his own serious injury, he remained behind to remove his wounded comrade from the vehicle. To do this, it was necessary for him to expose himself to direct enemy fire, which resulted in his receiving further wounds and caused his death. The great courage, complete disregard for his own welfare, and gallant heroism displayed by Staff Sergeant Averson reflects the highest credit upon the Armed Service.