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 [then Private First Class] William T. Baxter (ASN: 37645690), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 6 March 1945. During a determined enemy counterattack on Lampaden, Germany, Sergeant Baxter fearlessly remained alone at his mortar position and inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing enemy until his ammunition was expended. Securing a rocket-launcher he destroyed an enemy tank and its crew and then courageously dashed into a burning building to assist in the rescue of two wounded comrades. When the enemy began to withdraw in the face of the inspired resistance he advanced upon them armed only with a pistol, killing one and capturing three German soldiers. Sergeant Baxter’s heroic aggressiveness and indomitable fighting spirit upheld the finest traditions of the military service.