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 Private Willis Banyon Ford (ASN: 34845358), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 October 1944 and on 18 November 1944, in Germany. On 30 October 1944, when heavy enemy artillery fire demolished a building housing his platoon Command Post, pinning three wounded soldiers beneath the debris, Private Ford, ignoring shells landing dangerously nearby, extricated the men and administered first aid. As additional casualties were sustained, Private Ford continued rendering medical treatment and supervising the evacuation of the wounded. On another occasion, while subjected to devastating machine gun and small arms fire on 18 November 1944, he advanced far forward of friendly lines and evacuated a wounded crew member from a disabled tank. While endeavoring to obtain a litter, he was struck by rifle fire and mortally wounded. Private Ford’s 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 3d Armored Division, and the United States Army.