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 Fifth Grade William Alfred Vaughn (ASN: 37539327), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Service Company, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 13 January 1945, Technician Vaughn was acting as assistant to the chaplain at the 2nd Battalion aid station at Rittershoffen, France, when a number of enemy snipers supported by a tank surrounded the building endangering approximately 45 battle-exhausted riflemen and medical aid men who were in the basement. After a shell had blown away the steps as he opened the door to the outside in an attempt to find a means of escape for the men, Technician Vaughn stood guard at the entrance of the building until daylight, determined the exact positions of the enemy snipers and tank, and located a route of safety. He then brought the men up from the basement, remaining in the building until all men had been evacuated therefrom. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Vaughn, 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.