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 Sergeant William B. Phillips, Jr. (ASN: 38342428), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 17 November 1944, near Schevenhutte, Germany Sergeant Phillips’ company was pinned down by intense machine-gun fire from an enemy pillbox, strategically located on top of a steep hill. Sergeant Phillips, upon observing this, obtained a rocket launcher and fearlessly went forward alone to reduce the position. Making his way up the hill of fire, Sergeant Phillips reached a point within 25 yards of the enemy emplacement and fired a round of rocket ammunition into the doorway, killing five occupants. His daring action so demoralized the defenders of an adjacent pillbox that they abandoned their position to surrender, but as he went forward he stepped on an anti-personnel mine that blew off his foot. Although suffering great pain he though first of his comrades and for fear that the entire area was mined, did not permit them to come to his assistance until he had crawled to a safe position some 30 yards distant. Sergeant Phillips’ heroic, unselfish devotion to duty, his fearless determination and conspicuous courage exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.