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 First Class William Douglas Haag (ASN: 36892308), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Differten, Germany, on 4 December 1944. On that date, Private Haag and a companion were checking for a break in a vital communication line between forward combat elements and their battalion. Returning to the rear they located the break but were challenged by a strong enemy patrol. Realizing the danger, Private Haag, with complete disregard for his own safety, grappled with the enemy and gave the alarm. The patrol was dispersed and six of the enemy were killed, but this gallant soldier gave his life. Private First Class Haag’s heroic, unselfish devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.