The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William H. Costello, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action near Ellendorf, Germany. On 28 October 1944, he was directing mortar fire in support of a patrol assaulting an enemy pillbox. Anti-personnel mines and mortar fire stalled the patrol and forced its withdrawal, leaving a wounded man in the minefield. Seeing the man helpless, Sergeant Costello, with utter disregard for his safety, dashed to the man’s aid and while carrying him to safety was severely wounded. Sergeant Costello’s daring rescue of a comrade in arms was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.