Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

May 25th, 1945

Citation:
"For gallantry in action on 23rd June 1944, in France. When his battery was subjected to a fierce concentration of enemy artillery, many direct hits were scored on the gun pits, which ignited the powder containers. The powder was burning very close to a number of artillery shells and there was serious danger of the projectiles exploding. Ignoring the danger involved, Sergeant Cyrus proceeded to the scene and commenced shoveling dirt on the burning powder. Despite continuing artillery fire, he courageously continued until the fire was completely extinguished."

General Orders No. 131, Headquarters 30th Infantry Division (25 May 1945).