The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then Captain] William Edwin Dyess (ASN: 0-22526), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with , 21st Pursuit Squadron, Far East Air Forces, on 7 February 1942, at Quinauan Point, Bataan, Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Dyess performed heroic action against the enemy. He voluntarily helped organize and lead an assault party against several enemy caves on a rocky cliff on the beach. Under close-range enemy rifle and machine-gun fire, attacking the positions from landing boats, Colonel Dyess displayed qualities of personal courage and leadership which were major factors in the success of the mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Dyess, 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 Air Forces.