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 Willard C. Gann, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division in action in Italy during World War II. Although wounded in both knees while acting as right flank security for his company, Private Gann refused to leave his post. Disregarding heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, he crawled to a seriously wounded comrade and treated him. For an hour, Private Gann took care of the casualty and fired his rifle at the enemy to discourage any attempt to counterattack. He then crawled 50 yards over the crest of the heavily shelled hill to get aid to his seriously wounded comrade, refusing to be evacuated himself until the casualty was safe. 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.