FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM L. PICKETTE, (then Staff Sergeant) Infantry, while serving with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations in France on 29 June 1944. While on a reconnaissance patrol behind enemy lines, Sergeant Pickette discovered a severely wounded soldier lying in a mine field. Undaunted by intense enemy fire, Sergeant Pickette immediately went to the soldierÃs aid. Although he realized that it would be almost impossible to get back to friendly lines alone, Sergeant Pickette carried his comrade through enemy fire and past numerous enemy outposts whose fire forced him to seek shelter time after time. When he reached the bank of a river, he obtained a boat and took his comrade across to safety. The extraordinary heroism and courageous action of Sergeant Pickette reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Mr. Pickette resided in North Carolina.