Willard Harty

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Willard Harty (32003097), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 November 1944, in Germany. During an intense artillery concentration which wounded his platoon leader and many men, Technical Sergeant Harty immediately assumed command and successfully directed the reorganization of his unit. While assigning defensive positions to his men, he was hit by hostile machine gun fire. Despite painful wounds, he made repeated trips across the fire-swept area and carried many seriously wounded men to safety. As he was attempting to evacuate a helpless soldier from a dangerous area, he was killed by direct tank fire. Technical Sergeant Harty’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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.