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 Private William R. Martin (ASN: 35618591), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Biliboy, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 3 January 1945. During mopping-up near Biliboy, the advance of Company F was halted by intense enemy fire and casualties were suffered but the First Platoon of which Private Martin was a member continued forward in an attempt to outflank the enemy positions. When his platoon was temporarily stopped, Private Martin single-handedly assaulted the nearest position in the face of enemy grenades and rifle fire. Charging over the open terrain through point-blank fire and bursting grenades, he killed two hostile soldiers who were in reveted slit trenches beneath a building. Then, receiving fire from another emplacement behind the house, he continued on and killed four more of the enemy. He advanced toward another position and with a grenade killed the two Japanese defenders. Inspired by his fearless example, his comrades dispatched seven more of the enemy. Private Martin’s heroic act in assaulting the three enemy positions at the risk of his own life was an inspiration to all who saw it and enabled his company to resume its advance. Private Martin’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.