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 O. Kraker (ASN: 36691599), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 24 July 1944, in Italy. While Private First Class Kraker’s company was advancing they were counter-attacked by the enemy in company strength. The company command post was immediately surrounded by the enemy and the company radioman was cut off from the command post, making communications impossible. When the company commander called for a volunteer to go back and locate the radioman with coordinates for mortar fire to break up the attack, Private First Class Kraker immediately volunteered to make the attempt. As he left the command post he was painfully wounded in the wrist by machine pistol fire. Despite his wound, Private First Class Kraker continued on his mission. As he proceeded down a drainage ditch, Private First Class Kraker came upon a German lieutenant armed with a machine pistol, who opened fire. Private First Class Kraker immediately returned the fire with his carbine, killing the enemy officer. Private First Class Kraker then continued on and succeeded in delivering his message and enabling the mortar platoon to repulse the attack. Private First Class Kraker’s initiative and courage reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.