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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William Otto Sporbert (ASN: 32113343), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at the Volturno River, Italy, on October 1943. In darkness and while under enemy artillery fire, Second Lieutenant Sporbert led his platoon in placing a guide rope across the swiftly flowing, treacherous Volturno River to enable the remainder of his battalion to cross. After two unsuccessful attempts, the guide rope was firmly secured, and Second Lieutenant Sporbert led the advance across the river. Running into an area thickly planted with anti-personnel, concussion mines, he accidentally stepped on a mine and was blown bodily into the river. He was wounded and temporarily blinded from the shock. Upon receiving first aid, however, he set out to rejoin his platoon which by this time had moved forward. En route to his unit he paused to aid a wounded soldier and again accidentally exploded a mine. Although seriously wounded, Second Lieutenant Sporbert requested that other soldiers be treated before receiving first aid himself. His courage and determination to carry on despite his wounds inspired his platoon to greater effort in taking its objective. Second Lieutenant Sporbert’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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.