Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician 5th Grade

Unit:

507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Citation:
Varsel Kirby (33315623), Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy 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. By his fearless courage, valor and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Technical Fifth Grade Kirby reflected great credit on himself and acted in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Awarded posthumously