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 Major (General Staff Corps) William Bradford Rosson (ASN: 0-23556), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Ponte Rotto, Italy, on 31 January 1944. Major Rosson led his battalion in an advance to take a road junction and a hill, to secure the right flank of his regiment during an attack. Early in the attack one of his assault companies was halted temporarily by severe machine gun and rifle fire. While several enemy riflemen shot directly at him, Major Rosson ran forward to a position within 75 yards of the enemy. Exposing himself to intense machine gun fire which barely missed him, he reorganized the two foremost assaulting platoons and directed their fire power so effectively that the enemy was routed completely. Advancing 2,000 yards closer to the objective, one of the assault companies was ambushed by a large enemy force. Moving forward amid tracer bullets which struck the ground at his feet, Major Rosson made a reconnaissance within 100 yards of the enemy. Deciding the firepower of one company to be insufficient, he ran 300 yards to the other assault company, assumed command, and directed a coordinated attack which successfully flanked and routed the enemy. As his battalion reached its objective after an advance of 3,000 yards, one of the assault companies became illuminated in the glare of a burning half-track. Three enemy tanks opened fire on the company with cannon and machine guns, inflicting heavy casualties. Hurrying to the company to lead the assault, Major Rosson was subjected to heavy shellfire, shells bursting within 10 to 25 yards of him. His vision impaired by concussion, his field jacket ripped and his canteen punctured by fragmentation, Major Rosson reorganized the company and vigorously pressed the attack to force an enemy withdrawal, which allowed his battalion to reach its objective without further opposition, His fighting determination and intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.