Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1943

Awarded for:

Operation Torch

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with the 1st Infantry Division in the North Africa Campaign in 1942."

Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 17th, 1945

"He displayed conspicuous gallantry during an attack on powerful enemy positions. He courageously exposed himself to withering hostile fire to rescue 2 wounded men and then, although painfully wounded himself, made a third trip to carry another soldier to safety from an open area. Ignoring the profuse bleeding of his wound, he gallantly led men of his platoon forward until they were pinned down by murderous flanking fire from 2 enemy machineguns. He fearlessly crawled alone to within 30 feet of the first enemy position, killed the crew of 4 and silenced the gun with accurate grenade fire. He continued to crawl through intense enemy fire to within 20 feet of the second position where he leaped to his feet, made a lone, ferocious charge and captured the gun and its 9-man crew. Observing another platoon pinned down by 2 more German machineguns, he led a squad on a flanking approach and, rising to his knees in the face of direct fire, coolly and deliberately lobbed 3 grenades at the Germans, silencing 1 gun and killing its crew. With tenacious aggressiveness, he ran toward the other gun and knocked it out with grenade fire. He then returned to his platoon and led it in a fierce, inspired charge, forcing the enemy to fall back in confusion. 1st Lt. Will was mortally wounded in this last action, but his heroic leadership, indomitable courage, and unflinching devotion to duty live on as a perpetual inspiration to all those who witnessed his deeds."

Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)