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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Eugene McInerney (ASN: 0-1324944), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 53d Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 March 1945, in Germany. During an assault of bridge positions near Klein-Auheim, Germany, Lieutenant McInerney fearlessly advanced through friendly and hostile artillery fire and led his company to the bridge which was their objective. When his men faltered in the face of enemy artillery, 20-mm. and small-arms fire and exploding mines on the bridge itself, he gallantly ran to the head of the column and inspiring his men by his utter disregard for his own safety, led the way across the bridge. Lieutenant McInerney’s heroic, aggressive actions and devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.