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 Edward Zarnfaller (ASN: 12221229), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 395th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 25 March 1945. On that date, near Elligen, Germany, Sergeant Zarnfaller fearlessly left his fox hole and charged the first of two approaching enemy half-tracks. Although exposed to intense hostile machine gun fire he courageously opened fire with his BAR, killing two of the occupants of the vehicle and capturing the remainder. As the other enemy vehicle attempted to escape he dauntlessly opened fire upon it, killing three enemy soldiers and forcing the others to surrender. By his heroic actions he killed five and captured twenty-seven enemy soldiers and prevented them from reinforcing the bitterly contested town. Sergeant Zarnfaller’s intrepid gallantry and indomitable fighting spirit are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.