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 First Sergeant Gervis Willis (ASN: 13017510), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Luxembourg, from 16 to 21 December 1944. During this period, during a heavy enemy counterattack at Berndorf, Luxembourg, Sergeant Willis inspired his men to a valiant defense of their position in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. Shouting encouragement to his men he gallantly maintained a constant stream of fire upon the numerically superior enemy forces although his own position was subjected to intense enemy artillery, rocket and small arms fire. On one occasion, although knocked down and dazed from hostile rocket fire, he rose to his feet and continued to pour rifle fire at the enemy, forcing them to withdraw. First Sergeant Willis’ heroic leadership and indomitable fighting spirit upheld the finest traditions of the military service.