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 Private First Class William Hinton Steen (ASN: 38652567), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 51st Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in military operations against an armed enemy in Germany. On 20 March 1945, during an attack on Monschein, Germany, infantry advancing into the town and tank men attempting to clear a wrecked tank from a partially demolished bridge were subjected to intense hostile sniper fire. Private First Class Steen, with utter disregard for his own safety, fearlessly advanced towards the enemy position. Driven back several times by withering fire, he finally succeeded in smashing through the gate of a wire fence and eliminating the enemy rifleman. Then, assisted by two comrades, he courageously entered an enemy-held building, captured two SS officers and enabled his platoon to establish a machine gun in this advantageous position. Private First Class Steen’s tenacious, gallant actions and unflinching devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.