Dwight Steve Varner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dwight Steve Varner, First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces after being captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on 5 May 1943. Effecting his escape from captivity, Lieutenant Varner took 7 Italian and 17 German soldiers prisoner, and returned with them to his own lines. First Lieutenant Varner’s intrepid actions, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.