The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William A. McFadyen (ASN: 35403503), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Sergeant McFadyen was Platoon Sergeant of a platoon ordered to seize houses of an enemy-held town. During the advance under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant McFadyen stood on the hood of a half-track and fed ammunition into a machine gun. Later in the action when members of his platoon were cut off, they barricaded themselves in a building. Twice during the night Sergeant McFadyen left the building, exposing himself to enemy sniper and machine gun fire, to personally assure the safety of his companions. Sergeant McFadyen constantly acted without consideration for his own safety. He displayed gallantry that was an inspiration to his men and reflected credit on the Armed Forces of the United States.