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 C. Garton (ASN: 36173323), 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 24 March 1944. When a squad leader and his assistant were wounded during an attack, Private Garton unhesitatingly assumed command and led the conspicuously successful advance of his men with outstanding courage, initiative and aggressiveness. During the action, he single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun, pointed out the location of Japanese-occupied pillboxes to tanks with bursts from his automatic rifle, and led his squad in annihilating many of the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.