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 Sergeant First Class William F. Thetford, United States Army, for extraordianry heroism in action against a hostile force on 3 and 4 October 1993, during Operation UNOSOM II in Mogadishu, Somalia. Sergeant First Class Thetford and his team members fought through intense enemy resistance, during which time numerous friendly casualties were sustained, in order to reach the downed helicopter crew and still-trapped pilot before the enemy. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved rapidly in the face of intense enemy gunfire, completely exposing himself repeatedly in order to quickly emplace a perimeter at the crash site. Once there, he immediately moved into position in a defensive perimeter. Sergeant First Class Thetford again repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fires in order to pull two fallen comrades out of the kill zone, and moved under intense fire to secure a key intersection. Throughout the night, Sergeant First Class Thetford responded to a constantly changing enemy threat, in a pitched battle that lasted over fourteen hours. Throughout the entire operation, he displayed great personal courage and complete disregard for his personal safety. His actions resulted in both a successful raid and defense of a crash site. Sergeant First Class ThetfordÕs extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.