(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 P. Hatfield (ASN: 36117212), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Goetzenbruck, France, on 10 January 1945. Staff Sergeant Hatfield was acting as a mortar observer with Company G when that company was disorganized, due to heavy shelling and the loss of officers. Despite the continued shelling, he repaired communication lines, coordinated the fire of the sixty 81-mm. mortars, found the executive officer and gave him the details of the company’s situation. Staff Sergeant Hatfield’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 and the United States Army.