Alfred L. Sharff

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Alfred L. Sharff (0-1288635), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 November 1942 at Kasba-Mehdia, French Morocco. When the advance of our troops was held up, Lieutenant Sharff went forward with a runner to reconnoiter enemy machine gun positions. Attaining an exposed vantage position, he sent the runner back with the information obtained and remained in his position, despite being under heavy fire. Although his position was untenable, Lieutenant Sharff engaged the enemy with fire and created a diversion that enabled our troops to capture the enemy position and take fifteen prisoners. His gallant actions cost Lieutenant Sharff his life. Second Lieutenant Sharff’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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