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 L. Burress (ASN: 6986606), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. During an attack to secure a position astride the Weiss River, Private First Class Burress, a light machine gun squad leader, was severely wounded in the right foot and hand by shell fragments. Refusing to be evacuated, he gallantly led his squad in the attack. For thirty-six hours, under heavy enemy fire, he directed his men until a direct artillery hit completely severed his left leg. Only then did Private First Class Burress consent to be evacuated. His magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.