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 R. Zavagalia (ASN: 32674013), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 October 1944 in France. On that date, during an attack on the enemy, the platoon of which Private First Class Zavagalia was a member, was temporarily stopped by the fire of three machine guns which inflicted heavy casualties, wounding the platoon leader and killing the platoon sergeant. Private First Class Zavagalia, accompanied by a member of the platoon, with utter disregard for his own safety, moved forward and with rifle fire and grenades destroyed the three enemy machine guns, killing three and capturing eleven of the enemy. He then returned to the platoon, helped reorganize it and accompanied them on the successful accomplishment of the mission. His initiative, personal bravery, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.