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 Private First Class William Horace Ratliff, Jr. (ASN: 35613694), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 51st Armored Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 26 – 27 February 1945. During an assault crossing of the Kyll River near Erdorf, Germany, Private Ratliff was the only Aid Man available to evacuate and care for the wounded of his company. Heedless of his own safety he repeatedly braved intense enemy fire to give aid to his comrades. While advancing through a heavy barrage of automatic fire Private Ratliff was wounded, but he continued on until all of the casualties were evacuated. The fearless determination displayed by Private First Class Ratliff, and his courage and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.