The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] William R. Ward, Sr. (ASN: 34833121), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 August 1944. Staff Sergeant Ward was serving as an Assistant Squad Leader with an Infantry force engaged in an offensive against the enemy. When the attack was slowed up by resistance from enemy paratroopers, Staff Sergeant Ward fearlessly exposed himself in order to point out hostile troop dispositions to his commander, after which he personally led an assault against the enemy force. His courageous example and superior leadership inspired the men of his quad to follow him in the attack and in the subsequent aggressive action the enemy was routed, with thirty-eight prisoners of war being captured. The zealous devotion to duty and outstanding courage displayed by Staff Sergeant Ward were a contributing factor in the success of his company in this action. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Ward, 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.