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 A. Conklin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 and 19 September 1944 near Brest, Holland, While manning a machinegun against approximately 300 entrenched enemy soldiers, Private First Class Conklin’s position was subjected to heavy enemy automatic weapons, rifle and mortar fire. Moving to a better location he was attacked by five of the enemy. He killed three with his pistol and forced 100 others to withdraw. He then destroyed an enemy 20-mm. gun with his machine gun. The next day, although wounded, Private First Class Conklin killed eight of the enemy and forced the remainder to withdraw. When wounded a second time, he refused evacuation and participated in a bayonet assault. He then destroyed a machine gun with two hand grenades and killed the crew. While charging through enemy positions, he was wounded a third time. Private First Class Conklin killed 40 of the enemy and was instrumental in the capture of 475. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.