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 H. Stewart (ASN: 6255796/0-890237), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 January 1942, in the vicinity of Abucay Hacienda, Philippine Islands. Stunned but not wounded by a fragment of a mortar shell, Sergeant Stewart grabbed his rifle and sped to the scene of the action. For two days, he remained there, helping stand off the enemy’s repeated onslaughts and totally ignoring the rain of bombs and shells which dropped on the defense lines. Staff Sergeant Stewart’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.