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 (Field Artillery) William J. McCarthy (ASN: 0-1183724), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 904th Field Artillery Battalion, in action against the enemy in France, on 23 August 1944. On that date, during an enemy counterattack on his outpost near Hantes-Gisscourt, France, Lieutenant McCarthy, accompanied by another officer, fearlessly advanced in a flanking attack on the approaching enemy. Although armed only with a pistol and a few hand grenades, he gallantly faced withering rifle, grenade and machine gun fire and maintained his attack until wounded by an enemy grenade. This officer’s bold actions so delayed the enemy advance that his own men were allowed sufficient time to organize advantageous defensive positions from which the enemy attack was repelled. First Lieutenant McCarthy’s indomitable fighting spirit and unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.