Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company B, 261st Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division "Battle-Axe", U.S. Army (Company B, 261st Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division "Battle-Axe", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William A. Dunlap (0-551020), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 261st Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 April 1945, in Germany. After an assault landing by Lieutenant Dunlap's platoon on the enemy held shore of the Danube River near Kapfelberg, Germany, he led his men in a series of daring, close-range actions to enlarge their bridgehead. Although hit in the leg in the initial assault, he gallantly ignored the wound and advanced alone to knock out hostile machine gun emplacements, clear out an enemy-held house and reconnoiter other enemy installations before allowing his men to continue forward. With fearless aggressiveness he continued to press the attack, shouting orders to his platoon even after he had been wounded a second and third time. Second Lieutenant Dunlap's determined 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 65th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.


Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 217 (19 August 1945).