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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William Lee Garnet Pickette, Jr. (ASN: 34666402), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in 1944 and 1945. When a comrade reported the location of an enemy machine gun nest to Staff Sergeant Pickette, he and his comrade crawled under the intense fire to within 30 yards of the position. Leaving his comrade behind to cover his position, Staff Sergeant Pickette crawled to within ten yards of the enemy and called upon the crew to surrender. Four of the gun crew surrendered but the fifth crew member attempted to escape but was instantly shot by Staff Sergeant Pickette’s comrade. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Pickette, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 29, 1944
    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 243 (June 16, 1945)

    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.