Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), 351st Infantry Regiment
Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 61 (May 29, 1945)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Bruce Sandlin, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 13 October 1944.
First Lieutenant Sandlin’s unit was tasked with capturing a strongly defended enemy position in the Gothic Line situated in the town of Gesso. Previous attempts by other units had failed to dislodge the Germans from this vital position. Tired, hungry, weary and exhausted after many days of continuous action, with heavy casualties suffered by his company, Lieutenant Sandlin approached the town only to be met by a withering hail of machine gun fire, zipper pistols and grenades. He quickly deployed his men to cover him and crawled to the top of a small, rocky hill, only 15 yards from the strongest enemy machine gun emplacement. Hurling several hand grenades into the ruins of a building where the Germans were firmly entrenched were ineffective.
Without a moment’s hesitation, this courageous officer strode forward, oblivious to the rain of metallic death, charged the German position, and with his carbine, killed the enemy gunners. This action cut off a large number of the enemy who attempted to withdraw to stronger positions within the town.
Reinforced by the arrival of additional Allied troops, First Lieutenant Sandlin reorganized and consolidated his company, gave accurate direction for artillery fire, and continued to advance through the town. His able leadership and heroic action resulted in the killing of many enemy soldiers, the capture of 50, and a complete enemy rout, enabling the regiment to successfully complete their important mission.
First Lieutenant Sandlin’s extraordinary heroism, 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 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Article: Hall of Valor, https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-32670/. Downloaded February, 2025.
Photo: The Miami Herald, May 23, 1945, p. 3. Downloaded from Newspapers.com.
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