The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) William Joseph O’Brien (ASN: 0-439442), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a chaplain with the 1st Armored Division, in action at the Anzio Beachhead in Italy, from 7 to 10 January 1944. Chaplain O’Brien organized parties of Italians and civilians into evacuation groups to assisted enlisted personnel in moving the dead to a cemetery. He completely disregarded his own welfare by personally leading his crew into an uncharted mine field while under enemy observations, and through intermittent small arms, mortar, and artillery fire to evacuate personnel to the cemetery. He voluntarily made numerous trips each night o the cemetery to supervise the registering of the bodies. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain O’Brien, 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.