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 (Corps of Engineers) William J. Hanley, Jr. (ASN: 0-519775), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 October 1944, in Germany. During an attack on the Siegfried Line, First Lieutenant Hanley led a platoon through concentrated hostile artillery fire to search for enemy artillery observers and to mop up sections of the line which had been penetrated by assaulting infantry troops. While on this mission, he stepped on a booby-trapped board, and the resulting explosion wounded him and several of his comrades. Without thought of himself, First Lieutenant Hanley made his way back to the nearest aid station, secured a medical vehicle, and evacuated his comrades to safety. Throughout, he was subjected to heavy enemy fire. He would not allow himself to be cared for and evacuated to a hospital until his men had been treated. The unselfish loyalty displayed by Lieutenant Hanley on this occasion was an inspiration to his fellow officers and men. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by First Lieutenant Hanley reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.