The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William M. Byrd, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy on 23 and 24 April 1944, at Dutch, New Guinea. Major Byrd’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.