The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) William Emmett Ekman (ASN: 0-21190), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in Holland, on 19 September 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Ekman, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Emmett Ekman (ASN: 0-21190), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Ekman, 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.