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 Technical Sergeant William H. Van Dyk (ASN: 16085518), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving in the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 January 1945 in France. As they withdrew in the face of a heavy enemy counterattack, Sergeant Van Dyk and four others found an inactive fifty-seven millimeter gun which they put into action against the enemy. Although this action drew heavy enemy fire they continued to fire on the enemy until the ammunition was exhausted. Continuing their withdrawal after removing the breech block of the weapon, the group observed an inactive tank and a tank destroyer. Although subjected to enemy observation and direct fire, Sergeant Van Dyk manned the fifty caliber machine gun while the others maneuvered the tank into firing position and manned the remaining weapons. The effective volume of fire delivered by this small group gave friendly units time to reorganize and repel the enemy attack. The courage and steadfastness under fire displayed by Sergeant Van Dyk reflect high credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.