Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company B, 743rd Tank Battalion, 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 9th, 1945

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Earnest L. Kirksey (34433119), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 743d Tank Battalion, attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 October 1944, near Birk in Germany.

Displaying outstanding courage and exemplary valor, Sergeant Kirksey commanded a lone tank against nine enemy tanks at close range. Pouring approximately sixty rounds of ammunition into the attacking armor in the short period of fifteen minutes, he demolished one tank and inflicted innumerable casualties upon supporting infantry troops. Although greatly outnumbered, he continued his devastating fire until a second friendly tank arrived and assisted him in blocking the armored hostile thrust. By his fearless devotion to duty, marked valor and indomitable spirit, Sergeant Kirksey prevented the enemy from penetrating his company's positions, thus exemplifying the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflecting great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 23 (February 9, 1945).