The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Howard M. Williams (ASN: 35462623), 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 26 September 1944 in France. On that date, Sergeant Williams, during the attack on Meivren, France, personally killed eight of the retreating enemy and led his squad in a successful assault on an enemy machine gun nest, destroying the gun and crew. Observing another machine gun which had been by-passed, he crawled back to the position alone and shot the gunner and destroyed the weapon. Returning, he again led his squad on to its objective. Sergeant Williams’ bravery, aggressiveness, leadership, and 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.