The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] William J. O’Neill (ASN: 0-1325927), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. During his regiment’s attack across the Wurm River a squad of First Lieutenant O’Neill’s platoon was given the mission of carrying footbridges to the river and lashing them securely in place. When the signal for the attack was given, First Lieutenant O’Neill courageously led the squad two hundred yards ahead of the assault troops to the river. Overcoming enemy riflemen who were dug in on the banks of the river, First Lieutenant O’Neill directed the laying and securing of each bridge, and, when that was successfully accomplished, directed his battalion across the bridges. First Lieutenant O’Neill was under fierce enemy small arms fire during the entire operation, but mad no effort to seek protection. When the mission was accomplished and the troops were successfully across the river, First Lieutenant O’Neill voluntarily organized and personally assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant O’Neill, 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.