William P. Walsh

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William P. Walsh (16007135), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 December 1944, in Cheneux, Belgium. When his platoon was pinned to the ground by heavy grazing fire, Staff Sergeant Walsh, though seriously wounded, rose to his feet and voluntarily led a charge upon an enemy held village. Advancing three hundred yards, he encountered devastating flanking fire from a 20-mm. flak wagon. Unable to pull the pin from a hand grenade because of a severe hand wound, he moved quickly to a comrade who armed the grenade. Returning to within ten feet of the weapon, he tossed the grenade into the vehicle, destroying the gun and annihilating the crew. Staff Sergeant Walsh’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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.