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Navy Federal Credit Union

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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 34 (July 14, 1944)

    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.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    May 1965 – April 1968
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 26 (June 18, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William Emmett Ekman (ASN: 0-21190), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Deputy Commanding General Army Training Center, Infantry, Fort Dix, New Jersey, during the period from May 1965 to April 1968.