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 Technical Sergeant Dupe A. Willingham (ASN: 15060098), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 23 August 1944. Sergeant Willingham was acting as platoon sergeant of the 2d Platoon, Company G, during the assault upon Fountainebleu, France. When his commanding officer called for a volunteer to cross the Seine River with him for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy position there, Sergeant Willingham volunteered without hesitation despite the fact that the point of crossing was under intense enemy fire. Paddling a canoe they reached the far side of the river where the officer was pinned down by heavy enemy fire when his position was discovered. Sergeant Willingham re-crossed the river, still under fire, to direct the troops over to the enemy shore, but finding this impossible because of the intense fire, he built up a strong firing line. Under cover of this friendly fire the officer was able to swim back across the river and rejoin his company. The inspiring courage of Sergeant Willingham, his heroic action accomplished in the face of grave danger, and his supreme devotion to duty exemplify the finest traditions of the service.