The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technician Fourth Grade Willy Ingerelev Pedersen (ASN: 32886125), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 19 November 1944. On that date, during action near Hurtgen, Germany, Technician Fourth Grade Pedersen learned that a wounded soldier lay exposed to enemy fire in a mine field beyond the forward lines. Without thought of his own safety he voluntarily entered the dangerous area but was driven back by direct fire when he had nearly reached the wounded soldier. He was forced back a second and a third time by deliberate enemy fire, but undaunted, made a fourth attempt and succeeded in reaching the casualty who was unconscious from loss of blood. Under extreme peril Technician Fourth Grade Pedersen dragged the wounded man from the mine field, administered first aid and carried him to the protection of his own lines. Technician Fourth Grade Pedersen’s conspicuous heroism, and his courage and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.