Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William E. McDonald (ASN: 0-1879065), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant McDonald distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Taegwanni, Korea, on 9 July 1953. On that morning, Lieutenant McDonald was in the fire direction center of a battery under intense enemy fire, when a gun position was hit by an enemy artillery shell. Despite the fierce fire raging about the destroyed bunker, Lieutenant McDonald immediately rushed to the position and began to dig out wounded personnel who were trapped under the debris. Fully realizing that the fire would undoubtedly set off an explosion in the ammunition pit, Lieutenant McDonald continued in his mission and succeeded in extricating three of the trapped men. When fuses in close proximity to the ammunition began to burn and detonation was imminent, Lieutenant McDonald was warned to leave the position. With courageous disregard for his personal safety, he continued his efforts to rescue the remaining personnel until he was killed in the ensuing explosion. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant McDonald on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received