The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Stanley Robert Larsen (ASN: 0-22094), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in January 1943. Major Larsen assumed command on 16 January 1943 of a battalion which had recently suffered heavy casualties. Under exceptionally trying circumstances Major Larsen, by superior leadership, unusual initiative and great personal force, succeeded in welding the battalion into a compact fighting unit, imbued with confidence and determination to annihilate the Japanese who were occupying a strongly, closely coordinated strong point on a heavily wooded jungle ridge. This enemy position, composed of 40 machine gun emplacements, had held against a three-week attack of an infantry regiment, and constant pressure over two weeks by an infantry battalion. Major Larsen, employing plans based on thorough, personal and hazardous reconnaissance of the front line, directed the reduction of all enemy resistance in this area to a successful conclusion. During the mopping up stage of the campaign, Major Larsen voluntarily and personally led several patrols into the Gifu strong-point position. With utter disregard for personal safety, he at all times led the patrol at the point. He displayed extraordinary heroism in all actions and narrowly escaped being shot several times, once at point blank range by a Japanese officer. He captured one prisoner and personally killed four of the enemy. His fearless leadership at this time restored confidence, the offensive spirit and desire to kill, in officers and men alike. Major Larsen's heroic leadership, 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, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.