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 F. Heary (ASN: 6137192), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Signal Company, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through August 1943. During an attack upon the enemy, Private Heary volunteered to pike a wire line from a section of road under enemy fire. While so doing, he came to a motor pool being heavily shelled by the enemy. Realizing that unless they were removed from this pool, irreplaceable vehicles would be destroyed, Private Heary ignored the heavy fire and drove several of the vehicles to a place of safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.