Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technician 4th Grade (T-4)

Unit:

Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Technician Fourth Grade (then Private) William E. Stinson (Army Serial Number 14038481), Infantry, Company "C", 31st Tank Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service is connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 30 August 1944, in the area of Cornay, France. The tank of which he was an occupant was part of a task force engaging in a movement by night. The column having encountered a destroyed bridge, it was necessary to turn about and proceed by an alternate route. While thus engaged the enemy opened fire with anti-tank weapons. Although the column escaped, a half-track carrying a squad of infantrymen was left stranded in the "zeroed in" sector. Tec 4 Stinson, although aware of the great danger involved, volunteered to take his tank into the area, in an effort to give protection to the half-track as it made its escape. When this was accomplished successfully, he dismounted and endeavored to remove a "peep" which had been caught in the ambush. Upon discovering that the engine was not functioning he tried to give the occupant of the vehicle first aid, but found that he was already dead. Whereupon, he rejoined his unit. Tec 4 Stinson, in his disregard for his own life, in order to save others, earned the undying admiration of the soldiers who fought by his side.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 47 (13 september 1944).