Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 9, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 10 (January 10, 1945)

    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.