The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade William M. Twiss (ASN: 31305388), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 near Rittershoffen, France. Taking charge of a wire crew, Sergeant Twiss repeatedly checked and repaired the damage to our wire lines under heavy enemy artillery fire. Although made a conspicuous target by the light from burning buildings Sergeant Twiss and his crew laid a line into G Company’s command post in spite of the fact that heavy enemy sniper fire was added to that of their artillery. Each time that enemy shells cut the wires, Sergeant Twiss personally repaired the breaks under fire. The following day he and another man set out to lay a line into the town of Hatten, and in spite of the intense enemy fire, succeeded in reaching his objective and completing the circuit. His courageous action in continuously laying and repairing wire under most severe enemy fire permitted the maintenance of vital communications for his battalion which, although surrounded, held their positions.