The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Technical Sergeant [then Corporal] William J. Saunders, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a member of the original cadre that activated the 350th Infantry Regiment for his exemplary behavior and unfailing willingness to assume new responsibilities in the early training of the regimental medical detachment. One of his achievements was construction of litter racks which could be placed in jeeps to facilitate the evacuation of wounded and ease the strain on litter bearers, which proved to be the greatest success in combat. When the FIFTH Army offensive was launched on 11 May 1944, and casualties were extensive, Sergeant Saunders, realizing that many more relay stations were needed for litter bearers, promptly and efficiently organized every man for duty, and, as the advance continued this letter relay system greatly facilitated the evacuation of casualties and eased the suffering of many. Sergeant Saunders also twice displayed exceptional courage on the battlefield. On 12 May, the day after the beginning of the Rome offensive, he covered a considerable distance through minefields and artillery to recover a wounded enemy officer. On 23 may he dashed under shell fire to rescue a wounded Italian child and carried her to an aid station where her wounds were treated and her life saved.