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 Sergeant William Lines, Jr. (ASN: RA-19898081), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Sergeant Lines distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions 7 May 1968 as a platoon sergeant on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near the village of Thu Duc. He was leading his platoon to the aid of a friendly element which had engaged a numerically superior Viet Cong force. His unit was suddenly subjected to a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons and machine gun fire as it entered the contested area. Although wounded by the fusillade, Sergeant Lines deployed his men in defensive positions and repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy barrage as he moved among them to direct their suppressive fire. As the Viet Cong intensified their attack, he advanced upon their emplacements, destroying them with accurately thrown hand grenades and bursts of rifle fire. He then rallied his men and led an assault on the communist positions, personally slaying two enemy snipers in close combat. When air support was called for, Sergeant Lines led a squad to an extreme forward position to direct an intense volume of fire upon the enemy, enabling two other elements to withdraw and evacuate their wounded. Through his bravery, the lives of many fellow soldiers were saved and the Viet Cong were totally defeated. Sergeant Line’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.