The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William S. Moore, Jr. (ASN: 11088617), United States Army, for gallantry in action in France on 8 November 1944. During the attack through the wood, Private First Class Moore, assistant automatic rifleman and ammunition barer of Company G, moved forward in the first assault wave under enemy artillery and small arms fire with his comrade, who carried the automatic weapon himself. A sudden, accurate enemy mortar barrage struck the immediate area occupied by the company, and the advancing troops were ordered to take cover in vacated enemy foxholes. In the comparative safety of a foxhole, Private First Class Moore realized that he had become separated from his teammate on the automatic rifle, by some 25 yards or more. Knowing that the further advance of the company required the fire power and close support of his weapon, fully manned and supplied with ammunition, as the barrage continued, Private First Class Moore left his cover and dashed over exposed ground in an attempt to reach his teammate’s foxhole. As he ran he was hit by the mortar fire and mortally wounded, dying shortly thereafter. His courageous action under enemy fire, his unusual devotion to duty and his final sacrifice in attempting to carry out his assigned mission reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Moore and the armed forces of the United States.