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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William E. Sullivan (ASN: 0-1325944), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 March 1945, in the vicinity of Bitche, France. After helping to reduce enemy resistance emanating from two concrete pillboxes, Lieutenant Sullivan, a platoon leader, advanced alone toward the fortifications. Observing two Germans attempting an escape, he fired, killing one and wounding the other. Then, holding a grenade in readiness, he continued toward the encasement, and directed the enemy to surrender. When a German non-commissioned officer emerged, Lieutenant Sullivan used him as a hostage and advanced close to the entrance, repeating his directive. Eighty enemy, including a battalion commander and his five-officer staff surrendered. Lieutenant Sullivan’s heroic and inspiring single-handed action accounted for one machine gun nest, two enemy casualties, and eighty prisoners. His 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 100th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.