(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 J. Widener (ASN: 35159806), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Stoumont, Belgium, on 20 and 21 December 1944. Staff Sergeant Widener and his men held a Chateau in Stoumont, situated on a main cross road and recently captured by American forces. At about 11:30 on the night of 20 December, the Germans made a surprise return to re-take the Chateau, capturing 30 Americans and killing or wounding other of the American defenders. Staff Sergeant Widener, with only eight men remaining, opened fire, and armed with a bazooka, he destroyed a German half-track and its crew. After forty-eight hours of constant fighting, the Chateau was once again firmly held by the American Infantrymen. Staff Sergeant Widener’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, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.