78th Division DSC Dog Tag

[MathieuBelgique1944]

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Billy A. Krowse (ASN: 33848451), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 March 1945, near Honnef, Germany. Assigned the mission of assaulting and securing commanding terrain known as "Cemetery Hill," his platoon came under intense enemy small-arms, mortar, and artillery fire which inflicted numerous casualties and pinned the unit down. In the initial attack, when the platoon leader and the noncommissioned officers were either killed or wounded, Private Krowse assumed command, ably reorganized the remnants of the unit, and issued orders for a continued assault. Observing a hostile machine gun position holding up further advance, he proceeded alone under fire and succeeded in personally eliminating the enemy position. While clearing the area around the gun position, he was killed by a hidden enemy rifleman, but his indomitable courage so inspired his comrades that they surged forward and secured the hill. The consummate determination, exemplary leadership, and heroic self-sacrifice, clearly displayed by Private Krowse reflect the highest credit upon himself, the 78th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

[MathieuBelgique1944]