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 Frasier Parrott (ASN: 20807370), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 8 December 1943. During the attack on Mount Sumucro, Italy, as the assault company of which Staff Sergeant Parrott was a platoon sergeant was moving to the crest of the mountain, it was halted by intense enemy small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Parrott climbed a high ledge with an automatic rifle and, from this exposed position, opened fire on the enemy. Despite enemy small arms fire directed at him, he continued to fire so effectively that the enemy was forced to withdraw and his company was able to advance. Upon reaching the crest of the mountain, the company received heavy fire from enemy snipers. He moved forward with a rifle across an exposed area, killed seven snipers, and delivered such effective fire that the enemy was forced to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Parrott’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.