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 Technical Sergeant William C. Hudson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Jinagnatan, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 31 December 1944. As Company E neared Jinagnatan, they encountered a sudden attack by a Japanese force, vastly greater in number than their own, and an Infantry platoon was pinned down in open terrain by heavy machinegun fire to two hours. Technical Sergeant Hudson, stationed at a supporting mortar, found communications were out. Knowing how desperately the mortar support was needed against the enemy machine guns, he immediately left the safety of his cover and crawled forward to locate the gun positions. Under concentrated enemy fire he worked his way across 100 yards of exposed ground, crossed a ridge without cover of friendly fire, and plotted the position of one enemy gun. He had reeled out communications wire to establish contact with his waiting mortar squad, but was forced back before contact could be made. Returning to his position under continued enemy fire, he put that particular enemy out of action with his mortar. Again leaving cover, he crawled forward to locate the second machine gun, returned to his mortar, and destroyed that enemy gun. The enemy, now aware of Technical Sergeant Hudson’s actions, concentrated all their fire on his moving figure as he crawled forward a third time to locate a third machine gun. Carefully he crept forward, nearly reaching the enemy position, when he was stuck by the enemy machine gun in the eye and the ear. Technical Sergeant Hudson’s outstanding heroism and coolness in the face of great danger were responsible for weakening the enemy fire power, saving many lives, and enabling the platoon to effect an orderly withdrawal. Technical Sergeant Hudson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.