The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William L. Locke (ASN: 0-315180), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 July 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Locke was the leader of a platoon holding positions on the front line during a fierce enemy counterattack. In the course of the attack some of the adjacent units received orders which they misinterpreted to mean that they should withdraw and build up a line in the rear. This they did, which placed the forward line in a critical position. First Lieutenant Locke, quickly grasping the precariousness of the situation, exhorted his men to hold their ground, and crawled about under the withering fire of the enemy, deploying his men and encouraging them in their resistance. Inspired by First Lieutenant Locke’s gallantry, the men successfully held their ground and broke the enemy attack. First Lieutenant Locke’s heroic action is well worthy of emulation, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.