The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] William S. Van Wey (ASN: 0-1307331), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 August 1944, when four men were wounded by enemy shall and small arms fire near Hyeres, France, Captain Van Wey left a position of cover and dragged each casualty 50 yards back to safety. For a period of six hours, while men were wounded and killed all around him, Captain Van Wey exposed himself in order to direct the fire of his heavy machine gun platoon. Although enemy small arms fire wounded a man to whom he was talking and shell fragments killed another soldier a foot away, Captain Van Wey moved from position to position, encouraging his men. His conduct inspired his platoon to hold its position despite heavy casualties, until relieved by French units. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.