The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General William Durward Connor, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General, 63d Infantry Brigade, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Mont St. Martin, France, 3 August 1918, in personally directing and controlling the attack under severe shell fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Brigadier General Connor, 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.