The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Corporal] William C. Woodside (ASN: 35235680), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 10 October 1944, while serving with Company C, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Gesso, Italy. Company C was under heavy enemy mortar, artillery and machine gun fire, and suffered a great many casualties. Sergeant Woodside was placed in charge of the combined second and third platoons. He organized his platoon, although he had to expose himself constantly to do so, and his courageous disregard of enemy fire instilled new confidence in his men. Sergeant Woodside led his men forward through a burning trajectory of enemy fire. Always ahead of the platoon, this heroic sergeant charge dup the rugged slope of the hill, heedless of the artillery, mortar and machine gun fire with the enemy on the crest of the hill. He drove them from three positions killing two and possibly killing three more with his rifle. A sharp enemy counterattack compelled him to withdraw momentarily, but he immediately secured hand grenades from the dead and wounded, and hurled them with deadly effect in spire of the extreme danger to his life. The Germans fled in terror when he led his men in the final assault. Sergeant Woodside was wounded by rifle fire in this action, but would not allow himself to be evacuated until he had deployed his men, checked their fields of fire, and had assured himself that the hill was secure. Sergeant Woodside’s display of high personal courage, determined aggressiveness, and utmost devotion to duty, was an inspiration to the members of his platoon and the company. The gallant action of Sergeant Woodside reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the most glorious traditions of the armed forces.