The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William J. Dowidowicz (ASN: 32755561), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 20 March 1944. Private First Class Dowidowicz demonstrated gallantry in action in destroying an enemy pillbox with accurately placed hand grenades. When the patrol, of which he was a member, was pinned down by heavy hostile fire, Private First Class Dowidowicz, displaying outstanding initiative and courage, crawled to within ten yards of the enemy strongpoint and destroyed it with three grenades, thus allowing our troops to withdraw safely. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Dowidowicz, 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.