The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] William F. Hughes (ASN: 36960235), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 January 1945, in Belgium. During the advance of his company against fierce enemy resistance, Staff Sergeant Hughes and a comrade succeeded in reaching a position fifty yards from the enemy where they were observed. They killed two of the machine gunners and despite the fire directed at that, rushed the position. They killed another machine gunner and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with two other enemy, successfully overcoming them and taking them prisoners. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Hughes, 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.