Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William J. Courtney (15104744), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, in France. While advancing as the point of a column into a village, Sergeant Courtney met point-blank machine gun fire. Without hesitation he moved forward and destroyed this enemy machine gun. He continued to move into the village and was suddenly subjected to a barrage of enemy mortar and small arms fire. He engaged the enemy in this uneven fire fight, killing two enemy riflemen and remained at this advanced position until the enemy withdrew. Sergeant Courtney's intrepid actions, 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 and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 28 (June 20, 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)