William W. Masters
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 21 March 1945, Technical Sergeant William W. Masters was serving with Company K, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, TSGT Masters’ unit was in action against German forces. During an assault against Bretzenheim, Germany, TSGT Masters' platoon was pinned down by intense German machine gun fire. Accompanied by an automatic rifleman, TSGT Masters started forward to silence the gun. The rifleman was hit but TSGT Masters continued on alone, moving forward under heavy fire. TSGT Masters hurled a hand grenade into the enemy position and killed the gunner. When the assistant gunner attempted to take over the gun he was killed and then TSGT Masters killed the German non-commissioned officer in charge as he tried to rally his men. Now leaderless and demoralized by TSGT Masters' bold assault, the rest of the German crew surrendered to him. TSGT Masters' selfless, heroic action allowed his platoon to advance and seize the town of Bretzenheim. TSGT Masters’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

After taking Mainz, Germany on 22 March, the 90th Infantry Division crossed the rivers Rhine, the Main, and the Werra in rapid succession. During that time, on 3 April 1945, TSGT was killed in action.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

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 Technical Sergeant William W. Masters (ASN: 6285081), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 21 March 1945. On that date, during an assault against Bretzenheim, Germany, Sergeant Masters' platoon was pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire. Accompanied by an automatic rifleman, Sergeant Masters started forward to silence the gun. The rifleman was hit but the intrepid Sergeant continued on alone, worming his way forward under a hail of fire. He hurled a hand grenade into the enemy position and killed the gunner, killed the assistant gunner when he attempted to take over the gun and the noncommissioned officer in charge when he tried to rally his men. Leaderless and demoralized by Sergeant Masters' bold assault the rest of the enemy crew surrendered to him. Sergeant Masters' heroic action permitted his platoon to advance and seize the town. Technical Sergeant Masters' fearless determination and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 131 (June 4, 1945)

Burial

Technical Sergeant William W. Masters is buried at South Park Cemetery in Pearland, Brazoria County, TX.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/131385424/william-w.-masters