The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant] Willard F. Bunker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a forward observer with a Field Artillery Battalion of the 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 September 1944. During tan advance in Belgium, Captain Bunker found that the terrain made it impossible to observe where his battery’s shells were falling. He went out as far as the most advanced infantry units, and was still unable to find an unobstructed observation point. He continued beyond them, creeping and crawling bout 400 yards, until he was within 100 yards of the German infantry and armored vehicles. Captain Bunker remained there, directing his battery, while his own shells burst within 90 yards of his position, often scattering shrapnel past his head. When German soldiers attempted to drive him from his post, he repulsed them with well-aimed shots from his carbine. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.