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 William E. Aden, Jr. (ASN: 18213041), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 January 1945 in Luxembourg. On that date, near Dahl, Luxembourg, a volunteer four-man night patrol of which Private Aden was a member received surprise hostile fire which wounded him in the foot and seriously wounded a comrade. After crawling to the shelter of a ditch with his comrade on his back, Private Aden returned to friendly lines for aid in evacuating the injured soldier and, despite his own wound, led the litter party back to the wounded man, receiving aid himself only after the evacuation was completed. Private Aden’s courage, bravery, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.