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 Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant William H. Eastland (ASN: 31346956), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Tarquina, Italy, on 8 June 1944, in the vicinity of Tarquina, Italy. Showing brilliant leadership and daring initiative, Staff Sergeant Eastland personally reconnoitered a strongly-fortified enemy hill south of Tarquina and led a four-man assault in which two Germans were killed, nine captured and about 50 routed. Accompanied by a private and acting on his own initiative, he then led the way over exposed terrain to a hill 400 yards to the front. He completely surprised a German officer and an enlisted man, capturing them without firing a shot. After sending the prisoners to the rear with the private, Staff Sergeant Eastland continued alone up the hill toward an enemy-occupied house 150 yards away, but encountered stiff enemy resistance and was forced to withdraw. In the meantime, however, he discovered that the enemy had approximately 60 troops occupying well dug-in positions, supported by a section of mortars. He returned and informed his commanding officer of the situation. His commanding officer immediately ordered a platoon into the attack, but a terrible concentration of artillery fire forced the unit to seek shelter in a ditch. In spite of the heavy artillery concentration, Staff Sergeant Eastland, showing utter disregard for his own safety, left the relatively safe position in the ditch and raced through a hail of shells toward the objective. Nine other men from the platoon, inspired by the daring and courage of their sergeant, followed him to the base of the hill. Staff Sergeant England quickly organized the small group, told five men to stay in place and lend supporting fire, while he and the others proceeded toward the enemy. Crawling to within 20 yards of the German lines, Staff Sergeant Eastland instructed his men to fix bayonets and prepare to charge. Despite superior enemy fire, he led the attack, shouting orders and firing as he charged forward, killing two and capturing nine Germans and completely routing the remainder of the confused and disorganized holding force. The rest of the platoon moved up later and, led again by Staff Sergeant England, continued forward to capture the house. Staff Sergeant Eastland’s 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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    133rd Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 149 (September 10, 1944)

    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 H. Eastland (ASN: 31346956), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Tarquina, Italy, on 8 June 1944, in the vicinity of Tarquina, Italy. Showing brilliant leadership and daring initiative, Staff Sergeant Eastland personally reconnoitered a strongly-fortified enemy hill south of Tarquina and led a four-man assault in which two Germans were killed, nine captured and about 50 routed. Accompanied by a private and acting on his own initiative, he then led the way over exposed terrain to a hill 400 yards to the front. He completely surprised a German officer and an enlisted man, capturing them without firing a shot. After sending the prisoners to the rear with the private, Staff Sergeant Eastland continued alone up the hill toward an enemy-occupied house 150 yards away, but encountered stiff enemy resistance and was forced to withdraw. In the meantime, however, he discovered that the enemy had approximately 60 troops occupying well dug-in positions, supported by a section of mortars. He returned and informed his commanding officer of the situation. His commanding officer immediately ordered a platoon into the attack, but a terrible concentration of artillery fire forced the unit to seek shelter in a ditch. In spite of the heavy artillery concentration, Staff Sergeant Eastland, showing utter disregard for his own safety, left the relatively safe position in the ditch and raced through a hail of shells toward the objective. Nine other men from the platoon, inspired by the daring and courage of their sergeant, followed him to the base of the hill. Staff Sergeant England quickly organized the small group, told five men to stay in place and lend supporting fire, while he and the others proceeded toward the enemy. Crawling to within 20 yards of the German lines, Staff Sergeant Eastland instructed his men to fix bayonets and prepare to charge. Despite superior enemy fire, he led the attack, shouting orders and firing as he charged forward, killing two and capturing nine Germans and completely routing the remainder of the confused and disorganized holding force. The rest of the platoon moved up later and, led again by Staff Sergeant England, continued forward to capture the house. Staff Sergeant Eastland’s 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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.