The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] William S. Ash (ASN: 18033904), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery E, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action on 6 May 1942, during a heavy enemy artillery and aerial bombardment, at Corregidor, Philippine Islands. As he was running a shot truck forward loaded with a sensitive fuse projectile, Corporal Ash was severely wounded, but with great courage and presence of mind he successfully brought the vehicle to a halt, thus insuring that the runaway truck did not detonate the sensitive fuse. Corporal Ash’s heroic determination and fortitude reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.