The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] William B. Bevill (ASN: 34426876), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 14 February 1944. Sergeant Bevill aided in the rescue of a wounded comrade. In spite of the intense hostile fire, he went to the assistance of the badly injured man, who was lying in an exposed area, and dragged him to safety. Sergeant Bevill then displayed outstanding leadership in organizing his squad for a withdrawal, when he determined it was faced by a numerically superior enemy force. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Bevill, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.