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 Staff Sergeant William Hess (ASN: 33469215), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 42d Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 19 March 1945. On that date, Sergeant Hess’ platoon was given the mission of securing a bridge across the Naho River at Martinstein, Germany. In an unarmored quarter-ton truck, Sergeant Hess boldly led his platoon through intense enemy small arms, mortar and nebelwerfer fire to the site of the bridge and started across it although he knew that the enemy had probably wired the structure for demolition. While he was on the bridge it was destroyed by demolition and Sergeant Hess was severely wounded, but despite his critical injuries he calmly gave orders to have the Battalion Commander notified of the action. The courageous determination and unswerving devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Hess exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.