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 William H. Irons (ASN: 42110974), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Aachen, Germany, on 9 October 1944. When a numerically superior enemy force attacked his outpost, Private Irons, despite intense fire and imminent danger of being surrounded, fearlessly remained at his post and with accurate fire held the Germans at bay until reinforcements counterattacked and repulsed the enemy with heavy loss. 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.