(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Henry Mikkelsen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Mikkelsen, 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.