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 William E. Brotherton, Canadian Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 1st Special Service Force, in action on 6 December 1943, on Mount La Difensa, Italy. Staff Sergeant Brotherton was a member of a combat patrol of one officer and three enlisted men detailed to penetrate into enemy territory and destroy isolated enemy machine guns and snipers whose fire was causing casualties in his unit. Staff Sergeant Brotherton executed his mission with skill and aggressive spirit, once coming to within a yard of an enemy position before being discovered. In the several enemy positions which were encountered and reduced, nine of the enemy were killed, of whom Staff Sergeant Brotherton killed seven by rifle fire. Staff Sergeant Brotherton’s spirit and skill reflect credit upon himself and the two armies which he serves.