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 William A. Labenz (ASN: 33343167), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 August 1944, in France. Staff Sergeant Labenz was assigned to an infantry organization which was engaged in repulsing a determined enemy thrust endeavoring to divide American Forces in France. Staff Sergeant Labenz, at great risk to his life, moved about on the battlefield during the engagement, shouting and encouraging his men, and personally directing their defensive positions and their fire so that when the attack came in his sector it was repulsed, although the enemy had a numerically superior force. Despite severe casualties sustained, Staff Sergeant Labenz and his comrades held their ground and the counterthrust was unsuccessful. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Labenz, 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.