The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Bill D. Brandenburg (ASN: US-55073569), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader with an Infantry Company of the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Corporal Brandenburg distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sokkogae, Korea, on 10 June 1952. On that night, the company in which Corporal Brandenburg served was entrenched on a key hill when its position was subjected to a devastating artillery and mortar barrage. Painfully wounded by flying shrapnel, Corporal Brandenburg refused medical treatment and played a major part in the defense of the outpost against the smashing enemy attacks which immediately followed the bombardment. Moving from position to position in the sector hit the hardest by the fanatical assault and firing rapidly and accurately into the charging mass of hostile troops, he soon expended his carbine ammunition. Hurriedly obtaining an automatic rifle, he continued to inflict heavy casualties upon the foe, almost single-handedly hurling back one of the enemy wave attempting to engulf the friendly positions. Observing a hostile grenade land near one of his companions, he threw himself at the man and knocked him to the ground, saving his life. Then, moving to a friendly machine-gun emplacement, he helped the gunner direct fire against the on-rushing enemy until a grenade landed in the position, destroying the weapon and wounding Corporal Brandenburg for a second time. Early the following morning, the friendly troops, their ammunition exhausted, were forced to move back to a secondary defense line. After obtaining and distributing ammunition, Corporal Brandenburg reorganized the battered friendly force and le it in a spirited counterattack which successfully recaptured the hill. Only after all casualties had received proper medical attention did he allow himself to be evacuated. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Brandenburg on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.