Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company I, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Sergeant William L. Zais, 33720834, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Forest of *** [Château-Salins], France on 11 November 1944. When the advance of his platoon was halted by a German Mark IV Tank supported by fire from two machine guns, Sergeant Zais, together with his platoon leader and two other enlisted men, voluntarily made his way forward in the face of intense enemy fire until he was within ten feet of the tank. The platoon leader then hurled a grenade into the open turret of the tank, causing an explosion which completely demolished the German tank, wounded Sergeant Zais and killed two of his companions. The intrepid actions of Sergeant Zais enabled his platoon to proceed on its mission, and reflect the highest credit upon his character and training as a soldier.
Entered military service from West Virginia.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 56 (12 December 1944).