The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Field Artillery) William Clarence Felkins, Jr. (ASN: 0-1167832), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 387th Field Artillery Battalion, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 31 October 1944 and 1 November 1944, in Holland. Captain Felkins, displaying great personal courage, voluntarily led a patrol across a river and into dangerous enemy territory to drive off hostile troops and tanks which had taken a heavy toll of an isolated infantry battalion. He personally adjusted a devastating artillery concentration upon the enemy positions which killed many Germans and forced the withdrawal of several tanks. As the artillery fire lifted, Captain Felkins, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, advanced far ahead of the patrol while subjected to intense machine gun fire. As he prepared to lead a charge upon the enemy, he was fatally wounded. Captain Felkins’ heroic actions resulted in the safe withdrawal of 120 men, many of whom were severely wounded, and enabled two companies to maintain their critical position until the main bridgehead was later established. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.