The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Willard F. Pletcher (ASN: 33255447), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Pletcher was serving as the radio operator for a field artillery liaison party furnishing artillery support for an infantry force in direct contact with the enemy. Technician Fourth Grade Pletcher exposed himself to continuous heavy hostile fire in the performance of his duties. When is radio was destroyed by enemy fire, he made the necessary repairs on the battlefield, and undaunted by the enemy fire directed at his position, continued to transmit fire commands. His personal courage and his supreme devotion to duty reflect great credit on Technician Fifth Grade Pletcher and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Armed Forces.