The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] William A. Kapuscinski, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 121st Infantry Regiment, in action on 11 August 1944 near Pluirtuit, France. Continuing the attack against an enemy strong point, which had inflicted severe casualties on his platoon the preceding day, he led the few remaining men of his platoon, under heavy enemy fire, through barbed wire fences and mine fields before reaching an area from which they could assault the position. Aided by the covering fire of his men, Lieutenant Kapuscinski dashed 50 yards to the blockhouse, attacked it with grenades, and forced its surrender. Quickly consolidating his position, he aided in holding it against a determined enemy counterattack. By his inspiring leadership and bravery, Lieutenant Kapuscinski enabled his battalion to make an effective penetration of the enemy defenses.