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 [then Private First Class] Daniel L. Williams (ASN: 7004614), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. During a violent enemy counterattack, Sergeant Williams calmly continued firing his mortar and succeeded in dispersing hostile forces assaulting from the rear. Although constantly harassed by enemy small arms fire, he successfully destroyed a machine gun nest and removed the enemy’s threat of encirclement. 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 and the United States Army.