The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William W. Dishong (ASN: 0-269505), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 and 30 September 1944 in France. During the initial assault against enemy positions in the Foret de Pau, the battalion command post, in which Captain Dishong served as battalion executive officer came under heavy enemy artillery fire and several of the staff officers, including the battalion commander were wounded. To add to the difficulty of the situation, the enemy launched a powerful counterattack, endangering the command post with automatic fire. Working indefatigably, Captain Dishong reformed the battalion, inspiring all who served with him with his own cool courage and assured determination in the face of adversity. He formed the battalion once again into a cohesive fighting unit and led it into an attack the following day which regained the original positions. The great courage and cool leadership displayed by Captain Dishong reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.