The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William S. Stevenson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy on 30 January 1944. Sergeant Stevenson left the cover of a ditch in order to adjust the fire of a Field Artillery battery on a machine gun and 20-mm. cannon which had temporarily halted the advance of nearby infantry. Although machine gun bullets struck the ground within 18 inches of his body, he crawled 100 yards to a house, set up an observation post and directed effective fire which silenced the enemy guns and enabled the infantry to advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.