The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) William A. Farrell (ASN: 0-411608), United States Army, for gallantry in action on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 23 November 1944 to 13 January 1945. On 23 November Captain Farrell debarked from a submarine under cover of darkness at San Esteban. He immediately contacted the local guerilla leader who hid him from the enemy, provided him with guides and conducted him to the vicinity of Benquet. He coordinated intelligence activities of the guerillas on Luzon and dispatched special agents to obtain specific items of information which had been requested by General Headquarters, Southwest Pacific. Upon the arrival of our forces in Lingayen Gulf, Captain Farrell paddled a native canoe through enemy held waters to an American destroyer, then proceeded to headquarters of the SIXTH Army in Dagupan where he presented the current intelligence of enemy dispositions and operations on the northern flank of the invading force. Captain Farrell, by his skillful and courageous reconnaissance of a period of almost two months in Filipino territory, made a substantial contribution to the initial success of the liberation of the Philippine Islands. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.