WILLIAM J. BALZA for extraordinary heroism in action near Buna, New Guinea, on December 25, 1942. When an infantry Company was cut off from its battalion, Private First Class Balza, in an effort to reestablish communications, volunteered to attempt to carry a telephone line to the isolated company. Though forced back twice by heavy enemy fire, with courageous determination and complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled forward across an open field and succeeded in reaching the isolated company with the telephone line. Private First Class Balza’s conspicuous courage and determination were an inspiration to the men of his unit.

Mr. Balza is a life member and resides in Wisconsin.