On 8 June 1943, "Maddox" departed Norfolk for Oran, Algeria, where she became a unit of Task Force 81 (TF 81), the assault force for the Sicilian invasion. As the assault troops opened the amphibious Battle of Gela on 10 July, "Maddox" was on antisubmarine patrol about 16 miles offshore. Steaming alone, the destroyer was attacked by a German Junkers Ju 88 bomber of KG 54. One of the bombs exploded "Maddox"s aft magazine, causing the ship to roll over and sink within two minutes. Lieutenant Commander Sarsfield was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism displayed in supervising abandon ship. His action was responsible for saving the lives of 74 of the crew.