The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant William Blaine Hawk, Jr. (ASN: 35867136), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 1 March 1945. While his platoon was subjected to the cross fire from enemy machine guns. Sergeant Hawk, with complete disregard for his own personal safety crawled fifty-five yards directly into the intense fire and hurled a grenade into one position, destroying it. Although wounded during this action he continued to crawl to within grenade range of a second position and destroyed it with another grenade. While attacking this second position he was mortally wounded. These daring, self-sacrificing actions enabled his entire company to advance and prevented many casualties to his company. Technical Sergeant Hawk’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 84th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant William Blaine Hawk, Jr. (ASN: 35867136), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 1 March 1945. On the afternoon of that date, Technical Sergeant Haw, was the third platoon sergeant, and was leading his unit in an attack in the vicinity of Eiglen, Germany. His advance was slowed by enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Despite this, however, he continued to lead his men forward until he was struck by fire from an enemy sniper. Technical Sergeant Hawk’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 84th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.