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 William H. Perkins (ASN: 39479530), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on the Villa Verde Trail, near Imugan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 26 April 1945. An attack against a strong enemy position was launched by one of the platoons and was stopped by heavy enemy automatic fire from high ground to their front. Private Perkins and a companion voluntarily moved in against the enemy strongpoint. They worked their way to a small rise from which they immediately fired on and killed the four-man crew at the gun. They were by then drawing concentrated fire from the remaining enemy positions. Disregarding this danger they against exposed themselves and succeeded in killing several snipers. They then attacked another enemy machine gun position. The volume of hostile fire increased and the enemy threw grenades, one of which injured Private Perkins and killed his companion. At that moment Private Perkins saw a group of enemy trying to get around his platoon’s left flank. Heedless of any danger to himself he rushed into position between the advancing enemy and his own platoon, killing one Japanese while running. Despite the enemy bullets, he laid down heavy fire and successfully pinned down the opposing force. The resto of his platoon then moved up and joined the attack. All of the attacking Japanese were killed. Private Perkins’ extraordinary heroism in boldly searching out the enemy, destroying a machine gun and other important positions and in single-handedly engaging a large enemy force undoubtedly saved his platoon from being surrounded and from suffering numerous casualties. He was killed in action on 12 May 1945. Private Perkins’ 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.