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 Captain (Corps of Engineers) Richard A. Counsell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Tebessa, Algeria, on 21 February 1943. Upon orders to secure a prominent saw-toothed ridge from a well-entrenched and heavily armed force, Captain Counsell led his troops on a frontal and flanking assault. Through heavy enemy fire and bursting shells, across fields and rocky terrain they reached the base of the cliff but heavy assault stopped their advance. Realizing an assault was the only solution, he rose from his position firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he called on his men to follow him. Despite intense and heavy fire their attack reached the crest of the ridge. Again, he rallied his men and they stormed the enemy strongpoint. With fixed bayonets, they charged into the face of strong anti-tank fire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. After clubbing and slashing this force into submission, the squad was forced to take cover from a direct frontal attack by a self-propelled gun. Captain Counsell leaped to his feet, and through sheer personal courage and fierce determination, he led his men in a new attack. At this instant, a well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a grenade at the remaining members of the squad. He immediately lunged and kicked the explosive under an overhanging rock to save those around him. Captain Counsell was severely wounded performing this act. Captain Counsell’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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.