The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Bill E. Ridgeway (ASN: 6956909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, in July and August 1943. Displaying exceptional bravery and tactical judgment, Sergeant Ridgeway led a small group of men to a position overlooking an enemy strongpoint and, despite intense small arms and machine gun fire, directed the destruction of several enemy machine gun nests and the capture of a number of the enemy. Sergeant Ridgeway’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.