The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William J. Van Den Berg (ASN: 36195914), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 October 1944, in Germany. Private Van Den Berg was with his squad in a defensive position while they were being subjected to intense enemy shell fire. When a shell burst nearby, burying alive one of his comrades, Private First Class Van Den Berg left the protection of his own covered shelter, and under the heavy fire that was still falling on the area, dug out his comrade. The unhesitating action of Private First Class Van Den Berg unquestionably saved the other man’s life. On another occasion, when his squad was attacked by an enemy tank, Private First Class Van Den Berg, although wounded, enabled his comrades to withdraw by remaining behind and maintaining steady fire on the tank from his Browning Automatic Rifle. The courage and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class Van Den Berg are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.