World War II Honoree

William D. Haag

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Detroit, Michigan

Honored By

John J. Graf

Relationship

Friend

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS; 10TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, (COURAGE AND FIDELITY), 5TH INFANTRY DIVISION, (RED DEVILS). HE WAS CHECKING A COMMUNICATION LINE FOR A REPORTED LINE BREAK WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED A 20 MAN ENEMY PATROL. IN ORDER TO SAVE HIS COMPANY, WHO WERE UNAWARE OF THE ENEMY PRESENCE, HE, WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL SAFETY, GRAPPLED WITH 6 MEMBERS OF THE ENEMY PATROL CAUSING A SUFFICIENT COMMOTION TO AROUSE HIS SLEEPING COMPANY. HIS ACTIONS CAUSED THE DEATH OF SIX OF THE ENEMY FORCE. AS A RESULT OF THE SKIRMISH, HE LOST HIS LIFE ON DECEMBER 6, 1944. AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS AND THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL.