The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William O. Mays (ASN: 39085213), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 68th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in the vicinity of Daleidan, Germany, on 23 February 1945. When attacking well fortified and dug-in enemy positions, he dismounted from his tank and went forward to direct infantry mortar fire. After successfully directing the mortar fire, he remained on the ground and placed his vehicles in positions so as to give better support to the attacking friendly infantry. He then led his tank to within fifty yards of enemy positions and directed fire on two enemy tanks and destroyed both of them. Through his gallantry and courage, he greatly aided in the destruction of much enemy equipment and many personnel, thus helping to pave the way for a successful attack by his troops in the face of numerically superior enemy forces.