(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 Private Willie Howard Bishop (ASN: 34445239), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 November 1944. On that date, Company E, 377th Infantry, was advancing over open terrain toward Bois D’Ottonville, France, when, as a result of withering enemy mortar and machine-gun fire the Company Commander and thirty-one enlisted men became casualties. Private Bishop, company messenger, boldly seized the initiative and crawled to the rear to direct the remaining men away from the furious fire, and then fearlessly made his way forward to render first aid to his wounded commander. Skillfully perceiving the situation he contacted the Battalion Commander by radio, informed him of the location of the company and then coolly called for artillery and mortar support. He successfully directed the resulting fire upon enemy targets and then directed by radio, the laying of an effective smoke screen, under cover of which he personally evacuated the more seriously wounded and led the walking wounded to safety behind a knoll. After reporting to the battalion commander, Private Bishop then rejoined his company and continued in action. The outstanding initiative and cool-headed leadership repeatedly displayed by Private Bishop, his conspicuous heroism and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 95th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.