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 E. Gast (ASN: 13157568), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 August 1944, in France. An enemy rocket projectile struck a tank, killing two of its crew members and wounding two others. Private First Class Gast, hearing the wounded men’s cries for help, heroically dashed one hundred and fifty yards across open terrain swept by enemy small arms, artillery, and mortar fire to the knocked out tank. He administered first aid to the two wounded men, and then, helped one whose leg was broken and accompanied by the other he made his way under fire back to an aid station. Private First Class Gast’s gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.