The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William Paul Willis, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Torpedo Data Computer Operator on the U.S.S. HOE (SS-258), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 26 January to 5 March 1944. He courageously and skillfully carried out his duties in the face of heavy and persistent enemy countermeasures and thereby rendered invaluable assistance in the sinking of four enemy vessels totaling 29,495 tons and in damaging an additional vessel of 10,052 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.