Rank: Private First Class
Unit: 42d Cavalry Recon Squadron, 2d Cavalry Group (Mecz)
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart Medal, American Campaign Medal, Europe / African / Middle East Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Campaign: WWII
Died: 5 April 1945
Cause of death: Died of wounds received in action
Location of fatality: Marborn, Germany
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Place of interment: Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands
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Note: His Distinguished Service Cross citation: “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class William H. Kendall (ASN: 36613827), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop A, 42d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 1 April 1945. On that date, near Hosten, Germany, Pvt Kendall fearlessly approached an enemy road block and tied a line to a log in the hostile structure in order that it might be pulled clear by an armored car. As he finished securing the line to the first long he was seriously wounded by withering enemy small arms and 20-mm. fire. Exhibiting unselfish gallantry, he untied the line to enable the armored car to withdraw and was again wounded, this time mortally, as he returned to the vehicle. Pvt Kendall’s heroic actions and supreme devotion to duty live on as an inspiration to his comrades. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.