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 Lee Garnet Pickette, Jr. (ASN: 34666402), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 June 1944, in France. While on a reconnaissance patrol behind enemy lines, Sergeant Pickette discovered a severely wounded soldier lying in a mine field. Undaunted by intense enemy fire, Sergeant Pickette immediately went to the soldier’s aid. Although he realized that it would be almost impossible to get back to friendly lines alone, Sergeant Pickette carried his comrade through enemy fire and past numerous enemy outposts whose fire forced him to seek shelter time after time. When he reached the bank of a river, he obtained a boat and took his comrade across to safety. The extraordinary heroism and courageous action of Sergeant Pickette exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.