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 [then Private] William J. Lucas (ASN: 31323140), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8 October 1944 in France. At Mount Toulon, France, Private First Class Lucas, a rifleman, although unarmed, attacked and disarmed two enemy soldiers. Observing a wounded comrade, he braved severe enemy fire to carry the casualty to safety and administer aid. Then, he again exposed himself, to obtain his comrade’s weapon and continue on in the battle. Private First Class Lucas’ courage 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.