Sprinkle lost his life during fighting in Sicily . He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and his citation reads as follows, "for extraordinary heroism in action on the 10th day of July, 1943, five miles north of *** (deleted), Sicily. Lieutenant Sprinkle of Company D, 505th Parachute Infantry, went forward with a small patrol to knock out an enemy pillbox, which was preventing the advance of our troops on the road to Vittoria. He succeeded in eliminating it, then drew fire from ***. He had his men cover him as he went forward to make a personal reconnaissance and got within within grenade throwing range. He threw one grenade which effected sufficient damage to allow his men to advance and destroy the blockhouse. In the encounter, Lieutenant Sprinkle was killed, but the results accomplished by his patrol enabled the main force of troops to proceed to the accomplishment of their mission. In this gallant action, Lieutenant Sprinkle lost his life in a manner reflecting the highest credit upon himself and his country.