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 Technical Sergeant William Wayne Masters (ASN: 6285081), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 21 March 1945. On that date, during an assault against Bretzenheim, Germany, Sergeant Masters’ platoon was pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire. Accompanied by an automatic rifleman, Sergeant Masters started forward to silence the gun. The rifleman was hit but the intrepid Sergeant continued on alone, worming his way forward under a hail of fire. He hurled a hand grenade into the enemy position and killed the gunner, killed the assistant gunner when he attempted to take over the gun and the noncommissioned officer in charge when he tried to rally his men. Leaderless and demoralized by Sergeant Masters’ bold assault the rest of the enemy crew surrendered to him. Sergeant Masters’ heroic action permitted his platoon to advance and seize the town. Technical Sergeant Masters’ fearless determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.