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 Private William D. Sanders (ASN: 37615953), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 September 1944, in Belgium. During an attack on an enemy-held town, Private Sanders and other members of a rifle company were pinned down by enemy fire. At great risk to his life, Private Sanders voluntarily exposed himself to the hostile fire in order that he might in turn pin the enemy troops to the ground, thereby enabling his companions to withdraw to more favorable positions. Private Sanders remained in this dangerous position until his comrades had completed their withdrawal, and in their subsequent attempt to extricate himself he was killed by enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Sanders, 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.