William J. Draper

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William J. Draper (32602558), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 August 1944, in France. Private Draper was part of a reconnaissance patrol dispatched to determine the strength of the enemy, when stiff resistance was encountered and the patrol’s position became extremely precarious. Private Draper voluntarily covered the withdrawal of the patrol until his own position was threatened by a flanking attack. He climbed an embankment and, in plain view of the assaulting troops, fired his light machine gun from the hip, pinning the enemy to the ground. Though wounded, Private Draper remained steadfast and poured a deadly hail of fire into the enemy, thus permitting his patrol to return. Private Draper’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 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.