Varsel Kirby

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Varsel Kirby (33315623), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Service Company, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Kirby, voluntarily and with utter disregard for his life, drove a vehicle along a road dominated by enemy anti-tank and intense artillery fire in an attempt to get vital radio equipment to his regimental commander. After he had traveled but a short distance, his vehicle received a direct hit from a German 88-mm. anti-tank gun, completely demolishing the vehicle and killing Technical Fifth Grade Kirby instantly. Technician Fifth Grade Kirby’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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.