(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Joseph Mullen, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in January 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Mullen was an inspiration to his men under the most difficult, tactical, climatic, and terrain conditions, frequently with insufficient food and water. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Mullen, 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.