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 D. Francisco (ASN: 32579146), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Casoni di Remagna, Italy, on 2 October 1944. When the leading platoon of his company was held up by intense German machine gun and mortar fire, Private Francisco moved his gun to a dominating position and neutralized a German machine gun nest manned by three enemy soldiers. He then moved his gun 100 yards through the intense enemy fire to another position and, from there, he knocked out a second machine gun nest and forced 20 Germans to flee in disorder. He was mortally wounded but refused to leave his post until assured he had enabled his company to resume its advance and take the objective. His aggressiveness and courage under fire exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.