Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Staff Sergeant William H. Poyner (Army Serial Number 34192179), Infantry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States from 14 August to 3 September 1944, in France, Driving his unarmored 1/4-ton truck in the vanguard of an armored column, S Sgt. Poyner moved boldly over dangerous terrain under enemy fire to reconnoiter routes of advance for our tanks. In carrying out his hazardous assignment, he led night patrols deep into enemy-held territory to gain first-hand knowledge of hostile troop concentrations.
S Sgt. Poyner's courage and ability were of the greatest value to our forces in their relentless drive across France.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 51 (17 September 1944).