The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade William F. Wells (ASN: 35894536), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 294th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st U.S. Airborne Army, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 3 November 1944. Technician Fifth Grade Wells’ platoon was assigned the mission of attacking and taking an enemy-held roadblock during the advance of his unit in the Hurtgen forest. As leading platoon, his platoon was required to move over an exposed area, located on the forward slope of a hill, the only concealment being scattered shrub bushes. Enemy forces directed withering crossfire with automatic weapons and small arms in coordination with mortar fire, pinning down the entire company. Mortars were called upon to fire in the vicinity of the suspected enemy machine gun position, but they were forced out of action by observed artillery fire. Machine guns were called for and Technician Fifth Grade Wells, making two trips, crawled over and set up his machine gun in an exposed position with no cover or concealment, in an attempt to place effective fire on the enemy gun positions. By audacious action he drew the attention of the enemy from his pinned-down comrades, enabling them to withdraw to safety. Even though he was subjected to withering enemy fire, Technician Fifth Grade Wells kept up his fire on the enemy position, stopping only long enough to crawl back for more ammunition, until he was fatally wounded by direct fire from an enemy mortar shell. By his daring disregard for his own life and his unflinching devotion to duty, and through his extraordinarily heroic actions the lives of his comrades were saved. The deed accomplished by Technician Fifth Grade Wells without regard for his own personal safety, was an inspiration to all, and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.