The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William L. Powers, Jr. (ASN: 15300213), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 9 November 1942. Private First Class Powers volunteered as a driver in a convoy of seven trucks for a trip of twenty miles in the vicinity of ***** Algeria, departing at 0200 hours on 9 November 1942. The convoy was halted twice by enemy artillery and rifle fire. Two of the trucks were struck and had to be abandoned. Allied patrols advised turning back, but the convoy continued. About five miles east of *****, the trucks were stopped again, bitter fighting was still going on in the town, making passage by the main road impossible. The trip was continued by a circuitous route of back roads and mud trails. In the town of *****, snipers were again present, but the trucks pushed through, reaching their destination at about 0800 hours, 9 November 1942. Three round trips were made under similar conditions by the same crew, without sleep for thirty-six hours. By this act of gallantry, Private First Class Powers helped keep a salient Air Base supplied with the necessary materials thereby keeping our Aircraft in the air. The courage displayed by Private First Class Powers reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.