The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William C. Vail (ASN: 16002630), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company **, ** Battalion, ** Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. About 1600 hours, ** March 1943, near ******, Tunisia, a strong attack was attempted by the Germans through the sector held by Company **, preceded by heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire which lasted about fifty minutes. The enemy force, estimated as one German rifle company, attacked the positions using the potato masher, hand, demolition and “bouncing” grenades, strongly supported by automatic weapons. Private First Class Vail, when the attack caused a brief penetration in the line, with the assistance of eight other men, repelled the attack and drove the enemy back over the hill, thus closing the gap in the line after which the position was held by the remainder of the company until it’s relief that night. Private First Class Vail’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.