Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William P. Bourland, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 8 - 9, 1918.

On October 8, leading his company to the assault of a hill, First Lieutenant Bourland captured many prisoners and machine guns. On October 9, while defending the hill, the enemy launched a counterattack of greatly superior numbers, but, in the face of great danger, Lieutenant Bourland proceeded to an outpost, and by skillful direction he contributed greatly to the successful defense of the hill. He was killed while in command at this outpost.