The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William H. Cassell, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Field Artillery Liaison Plane Pilot of Headquarters Battery, 9th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTH Army in Italy in November 1943. Staff Sergeant Cassell flew his unarmed “Grasshopper” plane over enemy territory and aided in the destruction of four enemy artillery guns. It was necessary to leave the observation area once due to the action of enemy aircraft and again due to heavy fire from small arms and machine guns of enemy ground forces. Sergeant Cassell returned to the area, enabling the observer to bring heavy encounter battery fire to bear, which neutralized the action of the enemy battery. 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.