WILLIAM L. BLITHE, 13078805, Private, 508th Parachute Infantry. For heroic conduct in action on 7 June 1944. two and one-half miles from ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE, FRANCE. Private BLITHE, with Third Demolition Section, volunteered to move across the bridge over the MARECAGEUSES, under direct observation of the enemy on the opposite side in order to make a reconnaissance of the bridge and remove anti-personnel mines. During this mission, which was successfully completed, Private BLITHE was continuously covered by enemy mortar and machine gun fire.