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 [then Private] William E. Nolan (ASN: 31002072), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 5th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in 1943. A strong enemy armored counterattack penetrated a town held by our forces and cut the telephone line to the forward observer who was directing supporting naval gun fire. Private First Class Nolan left his position of comparative safety in a building and, exposed to the hazards of the street fighting, located the break in the line. With disregard for his own safety he repaired his line as well as the breaks in the lines of three other units. This courageous action maintained the wire communications and enable accurate fire to be brought on the tanks, forcing them to withdraw from the town. Private First Class Nolan’s 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 and the United States Army.