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 Benidict Kolosky (ASN: 36007400), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 31 July 1944. On that date a German column of more than 600 men and 10 tanks attacked his headquarters company as it was pulling into a bivouac area. German shells pounded the area and several vehicles went up in flames. Sergeant Kolosky set up 30 and 50-caliber machine guns in the field and posted men with bazookas to defend against the enemy tanks. The small force he organized returned so much fire that the Germans were uncertain of the strength they faced and pulled back to await daylight. The following morning American artillery fired on the German force before they could begin moving, resulting in at least 135 dead. Staff Sergeant Kolosky’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 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.