William A. Richards
Major, U.S. Army

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Major William A. Richards was serving as Commander, 112th Engineer Combat Battalion, First U.S. Army.

On that day, MAJ Richards’ unit was in action against German forces on Omaha Beach at Normandy, France, and was Killed in Action in the early hours of the landing. MAJ Richards’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Major William A. Richards (ASN: 0-393258), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 112th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Major Richards' 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.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39 (1944)

Burial

Major William A. Richards is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France in Plot I, Row 15, Grave 12.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56649227/william-a-richards