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 First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) William J. Rodgers (ASN: 0-1048550), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery B, 222d Anti-Aircraft (Search Light) Battalion (Separate), in action against enemy forces near Mount Blit, Cotabate, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 18 June 1945. When heavy crossfire from enemy machine guns, mortars, and automatic rifles on dominating terrain pinned down Lieutenant Rodgers’ platoon near Mount Blit, Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, the platoon was ordered to withdraw. Electing to provide covering fire for his men, Lieutenant Rodgers manned a .30 caliber machine gun and, despite the hail of enemy fire, delivered a devastating concentration against the hostile force. A mortar shell burst seven feet from his position and knocked him away from the gun but he crawled back and resumed his telling fire while his platoon continued to withdraw. With bullets striking all about him, some hitting the machine gun while he operated it and one passing through the canteen on his belt, he remained until he saw that his men had safely evacuated and then dismantled the gun and carried it with him to the rear, stopping from time to time to fire a rifle at the enemy. Through his inspiring actions at the risk of his life, Lieutenant Rodgers enabled the complete, orderly withdrawal of his men and upheld the finest traditions of the military service.