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 Corporal William E. Gagnon (ASN: 363347678), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 329th Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, on 15 April 1945, in Germany. While advancing through the woods west of Nutha, Germany, the company of which Technician Fifth Grade Barber was a member was held up by well-concealed enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Corporal Gagnon, with complete disregard for his personal safety and in complete observation of the enemy, unhesitatingly ran forward to administer aid to a wounded comrade. While engaged in this heroic act he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. The outstanding humanity and courageous devotion to duty of this non-commissioned officer reflect the highest credit upon himself and exemplify the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.