Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) William R. Hart (Army Serial Number 01014942), Infantry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 October 1944, in the area of Deurne, Holland. While making a reconnaissance along the Deurne canal, 1st Lt. Hart and five enlisted men were caught in a cross-fire of German machine guns, mortars and small arms. So intense was the fire from the concealed enemy positions that the patrol was forced to leave its light vehicle and take shelter in a nearby ditch. After directing his men to crawl to cover, 1st Lt. Hart made a dash for his vehicle. Turning it around, he sped down the road through a hail of fire. Determined to rescue his trapped men, he radioed for a light tank as soon as he was out of range of enemy fire. By his brilliant and courageous leadership, 1st Lt. Hart prevented the capture of the men committed to his care, and won for himself the unrestrained admiration of the entire battalion.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 98 (25 November 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

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

First Lieutenant William R. Hart (Army Serial Number 01014942), Infantry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an, enemy of the United States from 28 March 1945 to 30 March 1945, in Germany. During three days of combat Lt. Hart advanced boldly at the head of a reconnaissance section to locate advantageous routes of movement and attack and to spot points of resistance. Although his unarmored 1/4 ton truck afforded little protection or firepower, he pushed forward daringly and fire which he directed forced the surrender of many individual soldiers, large enemy groups and garrisons of towns and villages. When it became necessary to evacuate all friendly troops from the town of Wissmar so that our artillery could blast well-emplaced enemy there, Lt. Hart braved hostile action to carry out this dangerous mission. In the assault on Kirchain, he captured several bazooka teams as they were about to fire on our tanks. By his dauntless courage and aggressiveness, with complete disregard for personal safety, Lt. Hart played a major role in maintaining the uninterrupted drive of his unit deep into German territory.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 81 (18 May 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.