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Dyer, William Connell, Jr.

Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company F, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf", U.S. Army (Company F, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf Division", U.S. Army)
Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant William C. Dyer, 01295690, Infantry, Company "F" 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces on 23 February 1945 near Merken, Germany. Lieutenant Dyer was assigned the mission of crossing the treacherously swift Roer River and crushing a stubborn enemy firmly entrenched in a large factory area. Reaching the opposite shore with a half-squad, they were pinned down by menacing enemy machine gun fire from a house. Lieutenant Dyer furiously charged the house and killed the gunner. He then led his men to the factory area, stormed eleven buildings and cleverly outmaneuvered the enemy. In all, six enemy machine guns were destroyed and twenty-three of the enemy killed. Lieutenant Dyer's brilliant and inspiring leadership, his inexhaustible resourcefulness and magnificent gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces. Entered military service from Salem, Oregon.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Sources

  • - Hoegh L.A. & Doyle H.J., Timberwolfs Tracks – The History of the 104th Infantry Division 1942-1945, Infantry Journal Press, Washington D.C., U.S.A., January 1999 edition
    - 104th Infantry Division

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