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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal William Patrick McCraney (ASN: RA-18282304), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal McCraney distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces north of Seoul, Korea on 21 May 1951. On that date, Corporal McCraney’s squad was participating in an assault against a fanatically determined hostile force firmly entrenched on Hill 329. As the squad advanced, it was suddenly subjected to heavy automatic-weapons fire which forced the men to seek cover. Realizing the necessity for immediate action, Corporal McCraney crawled across the fire-swept terrain toward the hostile machine-gun emplacement and succeeded in neutralizing it with grenades. This action enabled his men to resume their attack; but, as they reached the main enemy defenses, they were again pinned down by small-arms fire and bursting grenades. Securing an automatic rifle, Corporal McCraney rallied his men and charged forward toward the crest of the hill, raking the hostile entrenchments with accurate fire as he advanced. Although painfully wounded in this assault, he nevertheless managed to destroy an enemy strongpoint containing five men. This action breached the hostile defenses and gained a foothold on the crest of the hill for his men who subsequently routed the enemy from their positions. With the objective secured, Corporal McCraney then assisted one of his wounded comrades through the heavy sniper fire to an aid station at the base of the hill. The extraordinary heroism and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Corporal McCraney throughout this action reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received