The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William G. Nicholson (ASN: 34012832), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 April 1945, in Germany. Technical Sergeant Nicholson exposed himself to extremely heavy small arms fire and automatic fire to eliminate a machine gun position which was holding up the advances of his platoon. By his heroic self-sacrifice and fearlessness, he allowed his platoon to continue its advance through this sector without sustaining further casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Nicholson, 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.