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 I. Tucker (ASN: 20380928), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 745th Tank Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany on 23 November 1944. During a period of four hours, Sergeant Tucker risked his life on innumerable occasions, displaying outstanding courage and great valor in fighting off a vicious German counterattack upon his unit’s defensive positions near an abandoned castle. While heavy shells fell dangerously nearby he courageously relayed fire orders between friendly tanks which were holding off the enemy attack. When artillery and small arms fire was most intense this gallant soldier heroically rescued four seriously wounded comrades by making hazardous trips through withering fire to evacuate them to safety of the castle basement. As enemy tanks broke through and threatened his unit’s position, Sergeant Tucker, in the absence of an artillery observer, voluntarily established an observation post in the upper floor of the battered building. Disregarding tank fire placed directly upon him, he remained in his precarious position close to his observation post, forcing the tanks to withdraw. As the enemy retired, he continued his adjustments and made hits upon two tanks, setting them ablaze. By his extraordinary heroism, audacity and indomitable spirit, Sergeant Tucker exemplified the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.