The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class William J. Brooks (ASN: 35076303), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 341st Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 15 April 1945. On that date, in the town of Hagen, Germany, Private Brooks was advancing with his squad of men when the safety pin of a grenade he carried in his pocket became released. Exhibiting heroic unselfishness, he called a warning to his squad and fell to the ground, covering the explosion with his body. Private First Class Brooks gave his life to save his comrades but his courageous action and supreme devotion to duty will live on as an inspiration to the military forces of the United States.