The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class William P. Sackett (ASN: US-56722289), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Sackett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 November 1968 while serving as fire team leader on a combat mission in Long An Province. When his platoon became stalemated in a fierce exchange of fire with a hostile force, Specialist Sackett immediately began moving through the embattled area to direct return fire and prevent disorganization among the novice members of the platoon. As he approached one of his positions, an enemy hand grenade landed near four of his comrades. He instantly scooped up the device, turned his back to shield his fellow soldiers, and tossed the grenade back to the enemy. Although the grenade exploded in mid-air wounding him with fragmentation, he, without hesitation, proceeded to assist the only other wounded man through the hostile barrage to an evacuation point. Refusing evacuation himself, he returned to the contact area to assist his platoon in the prolonged battle. Specialist Four Sackett’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.