The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*McGEE, WILLIAM D.
Rank and Organization: Private, U.S. Army, Medical
Detachment, 304th Infantry, 76th Infantry Division. Place and Date Near Mulheim,
Germany, 18 March 1945. Entered Service at: Indianapolis, Ind. Birth:
Indianapolis, Ind. G.O. No.: 21, 26 February 1946.
Citation:
A medical aid man, he made a night crossing of the Moselle River with troops endeavoring
to capture the town of Mulheim. The enemy had retreated in the sector where the assault
boats landed, but had left the shore heavily strewn with antipersonnel mines. Two men of
the first wave attempting to work their way forward detonated mines which wounded them
seriously, leaving them bleeding and in great pain beyond the reach of their comrades.
Entirely on his own initiative, Pvt. McGee entered the minefield, brought out 1 of the
injured to comparative safety, and had returned to rescue the second victim when he
stepped on a mine and was severely wounded in the resulting explosion. Although suffering
intensely and bleeding profusely, he shouted orders that none of his comrades was to risk
his life by entering the death-sown field to render first aid that might have saved his
life. In making the supreme sacrifice, Pvt. demonstrated a concern for the well-being of
his fellow soldiers that transcended all considerations for his own safety and a gallantry
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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