Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 21, 1971

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2950 (October 19, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant William M. Kratzer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Vietnam Team 2, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Kratzer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 April 1971 while serving as Heavy Weapons Advisor at Fire Support Base Honey in Quang Ngai Province. On the morning of the date cited, an enemy sapper force succeeded in breaching the defenses of the fire base under cover of rocket, mortar and small arms fire. Sergeant Kratzer immediately moved to assist the ARVN battalion commander in repulsing the attack. Upon leaving the protection of his bunker, he was thrown to the ground by a grenade blast which wounded him in both arms. Continuing to move under fire, he received a gunshot wound which shattered his leg bone. Despite his painful wounds and loss of blood, Sergeant Kratzer dragged himself some 40 meters uphill past destroyed and burning bunkers until he reached an ARVN artillery position where he requested a radio in order to establish communications with his parent unit. As he waited for the radio, a nearby ammunition bunker exploded, inflicting still more wounds on him and causing a partial loss of hearing. Although suffering from shock, pain and loss of blood, Sergeant Kratzer secured the radio and called in support for the beleaguered outpost. He continued to advise supporting elements of the tactical situation until he lost consciousness from his wounds. Thanks to his heroic efforts, helicopter gunships arrived in time to drive off the attackers and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. Staff Sergeant Kratzer’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.