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 Sergeant Willie Buchanan Slaughter, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, in September 1943. When enemy guns were delaying the advance of his platoon, Sergeant Slaughter and a comrade volunteered to destroy them. After loading their shirts with grenades, the two soldiers advanced across bullet-sprayed terrain to a position from which they could attack the first gun. It was quickly knocked out and they moved on to a second and more dangerous position, from which they put the second nest out of action. During their actions that knocked out the two enemy machine guns, Sergeant Slaughter and his comrade killed 7 German soldiers, wounded 7, and took 13 enemy as prisoners. Sergeant Slaughter’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, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.