Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Corps of Engineers

Recommendation:
"While serving with the Army of the United States during the period 9 March 1945 to 17 March 1945. The organization to which S/Sgt. Willett was serving had been assigned the mission of repairing and maintaining the Ludendorf Bridge to effect two way traffic across the Rhine river. S/Sgt. Willett with utter disregard for his own personal safety while the bridge site was under going severe enemy artillery fire and frequent strafing and bombing raids, took it upon himself to lead numerous infantry units across the bridge. When an American tank and truck collided on the bridge, he faced heavy enemy fire while rescuing at least seven Infantry men.

His actions did much to help strengthen our bridge-head on the East bank of the Rhine which was of vital military importance at the time. During the course of the operation, he was wounded twice. His utter disregard for personal safety, his leadership and devotion to duty greatly inspired all men working with him and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service."