MASTER SERGEANT WILLIAM D. CATHCART, Infantry, United States Army. Sergeant Cathcart, a member of an infantry company, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chungbangpíyong, Korea. On the morning of 18 February 1952, the company of which Sergeant Cathcart was a member was engaged in an attack against a large hostile force occupying a strategic and well-fortified hill. In the ensuing action, Sergeant Cathcart observed that the leader of the assaulting platoon had been killed and the friendly troops had been pinned down by the intense enemy fire. Without hesitation, he rushed to the men, rallied them, and personally led them toward the crest of the hill only to be met by such a tremendous volume of fire that a withdrawal was necessary to save the friendly force from annihilation. Upon reaching the base of the slope, Sergeant Cathcart realized that several wounded were still on the fireswept hill. Without regard for his personal safety, he traveled back up the slope directly in the face of the heavy enemy fire to evacuate his stricken comrades. Six times, Sergeant Cathcart made his way almost to the edge of the enemy bunkers, and six times, he returned with a wounded man. Through his utter fearlessness and completely selfless devotion to his men and his duty, Sergeant Cathcart saved the lives of several of his comrades at great risk to his own. The extraordinary heroism display by Sergeant Cathcart on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the most esteemed traditions of the military service. Entered the Federal Service from California.

Mr. Cathcart passed away on 31 October 2017.