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 Sergeant William O’Neill (ASN: 90713), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the valley of Suippes, France, 14 – 15 July 1918. Wounded by a shell fragment, Sergeant O’Neill returned to his platoon and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting after having his wound dressed. Wounded two days later by a machine-gun bullet, he again returned to the firing line, after receiving first aid, and led a successful charge against an enemy position. His personal heroism was an inspiration to him men. He was killed while consolidating a position his platoon had just taken.