The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) William Graham Gillis, Jr. (ASN: 0-23909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France. Upon assuming command of the 1st Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment on 10 August 1944, Major Gillis was assigned the mission of taking high ground near ****, and making contact with an infantry battalion that had been isolated in that area for five days. He led his battalion to the base of the high ground, and although cut off by strong pockets of enemy resistance, brought supplies and equipment to his troops by infiltration. After reorganizing his battalion, he led an assault that resulted in taking the objective on 12 August in the face of very strong enemy resistance, including tanks. He made contact with the isolated battalion, rendered medical aid and supplied such food as was available, and brought under American control all of the commanding high ground east of ****. Throughout this action, Major Gillis, although himself wounded in the hand, accompanied leading elements of his battalion and inspired the troops under his command by his skillful leadership, tenacity of purpose, courage, coolness, positive action and utter disregard for personal safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Gillis, 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.