The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel William F. Curren, Jr. (ASN: 0-265002), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 10th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion (Mobile), from 6 June 1944 to 7 June 1944, in France. Lieutenant Colonel Curren landed at 1500 hours on D-Day and immediately made a reconnaissance under intense enemy fire to obtain the necessary factual data as to conditions ashore and to select suitable tactical positions for the elements of his AAA gun battalion which was soon to land. He continually reconnoitered while the beach was under artillery and small arms fire but was unable to find a suitable position and was directed to return to his ship to prevent night landing of any of his units. While awaiting the arrival of his craft, Lieutenant Colonel Curren noticed that many Allied wounded were in immediate danger from the incoming tide, and by commandeering an LCT, he succeeded in evacuating the wounded who were not otherwise being cared for. His personal bravery and his clear thinking under constant enemy bombardment reflects great credit on himself and on the military services.