The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service) William T. Greenville (ASN: 0-1039653), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Company C, 86th Chemical Battalion, on 18 August 1944, near St. Malo, France. At 1455 hours on the afternoon of 18 August 1944, a group of American soldiers was accepting the surrender of the German officer commanding “The Citadel,” a fortress at St. Malo, France. At the same time, planes of the United States Air Corps were hovering overhead preparatory to bombing and strafing the fortress, with oil bombs, at 1500 hours. Realizing that if the bombs were dropped at this time, the surrendering force, in all probability, would refuse to accept the terms, First Lieutenant Greenville, Reconnaissance and Liaison Officer as well as Forward Observer of the 86th Chemical Battalion, with great presence of mind, tore two air identification panels from parked vehicles and set out for the fortress. As he reached the open ground of “The Citadel,” the attacking planes dropped two oil bombs and the two leading planes strafed, but First Lieutenant Greenville continued to the open area where he hastily displayed the identifying panels. As a result of his gallant action without regard for his own safety, he halted the impending air attack, thereby saving the lives of some twelve American soldiers who successfully effected the surrender of the German force without more and unnecessary fighting. Such action reflects great credit upon First Lieutenant Greenville and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.