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 Private First Class William J. McKenzie (ASN: 33379823), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 December 1944. On that date, the enemy launched a strong counter-attack at Ringel, Luxembourg, threatening the Command Post of Company H, 2d Battalion, 319th Infantry. Private McKenzie courageously held his position at the Command Post; killed three of the enemy, wounded five and forced the remainder to seek shelter in a nearby barn. He then ran to the barn and forced sixteen of the enemy to surrender. Later, when this intrepid soldier observed an enemy rocket-launcher team in firing position he crawled within grenade throwing distance and repulsed the attack by killing two of the team and wounding another. The conspicuous heroism Private First Class McKenzie repeatedly displayed and his courageous determination and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.