William B. Whitney

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William B. Whitney (01289180), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 December 1944, in Germany. Discovering that two of his men were missing, Captain Whitney immediately advanced into the fire-swept area, searched the foxholes and shell-craters, found the two wounded men and personally carried them to safety. Realizing that a frontal assault on an enemy-held railroad embankment would result in heavy casualties, Captain Whitney decided to try a bluff. Unarmed and carrying a small, celluloid map-board, Captain Whitney briskly walked down the track. Nearing an enemy trench, Captain Whitney motioned with his map-board and one enemy rose from his position and surrendered. He continued this action until a total of fifteen of the enemy had surrendered to him. Captain Whitney’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.