William G. Lanseadel

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William G. Lanseadel (12187268), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 January 1945, in Belgium. Private First Class Lanseadel voluntarily exposed himself to intense sniper and machine gun fire as he single-handedly destroyed enemy positions that threatened to delay his platoon’s advance. Fierce and accurate fire pinned his comrades to the ground, but Private First Class Lanseadel, ignoring the devastating fire, closed with the enemy, killing a sniper with his rifle and destroying two machine guns with hand grenades. Although painfully wounded, Private First Class Lanseadel deliberately moved about in the open, drawing fire away from his comrades and forcing the enemy to reveal their positions until he was struck again and fatally wounded. Private First Class Lanseadel’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.