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 Staff Sergeant William E. Pavlick (ASN: 32245708), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cauringen, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 February 1945. Company K was attacking an enemy-held hill and after reaching the crest, the assault platoon in which Sergeant Pavlick was a squad leader, was suddenly halted by heavy machine gun fire while moving down the reverse slope. Determining the exact location of the enemy emplacement, Sergeant Pavlick skillfully deployed his squad and moved forward alone under enemy fire to a vantage point a few yards from the stronghold. Without regard for his personal safety, he sprang to his feet, rushed the emplacement, firing his rifle as he advanced, killed the gunner, and forced the other occupants into the open where they were killed a few seconds later by his alert squad. Resuming the advance, they encountered six Japanese riflemen. Sergeant Pavlick killed two and his squad destroyed the remainder of the enemy party. Soon afterwards, when his squad was pinned down by heavy crossfire from two enemy machine guns, he was wounded while directing his men in a closer envelopment where they would have cover from the devastating fire. Despite his injury, he continued to direct the movement of his squad and was wounded a second time. Nevertheless, he fearlessly exposed himself so that his squad could locate and successfully assault the enemy positions. When his men had reached cover, he began working his way forward and upon reaching their position, assumed command for the final assault. Seriously weakened by profuse bleeding, he lost consciousness and was evacuated before the culmination of the attach which he had so skillfully led. Through outstanding gallantry, unremitting determination to destroy the enemy at every opportunity and courage in the face of great adversity, Sergeant Pavlick made a major contribution to the successful accomplishment of his platoon’s mission. His heroic performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.