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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Lester Nave (ASN: 0-17737), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 16 June 1944. While leading his regiment in an attack against strong enemy defensive positions near Gourbesville, France, Colonel Nave assumed personal command of a leaderless rifle company. He reorganized the men and led them forward, inspiring them by his bold, fearless leadership. When the attack was halted by machine-gun crossfire, Colonel Nave boldly stood erect and walked calmly along the line of men encouraging them to advance. Then, still in the lead he ran towards the enemy but was hit as he crossed a stream. He fell, still shouting to his men to go forward, and died almost immediately. Inspired by his example the troops overran the enemy position. Lieutenant Colonel Nave’s fearless courage and his supreme 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 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.