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 Private William H. Van Meter, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 31 January 1944. Private van Meter was a member of a five-man patrol ordered to establish contact between the Infantry battalion commander and the attacking companies. Realizing the necessity for speed, the patrol chose the shortest but most hazardous route for their mission and advanced under artillery fire within view of the enemy. Unexpectedly, the patrol encountered a group of twelve Germans, heavily armed, hurrying to alert the main body of the enemy. By quick action, the patrol was able to capture the enemy group without firing a shot. Private Van Meter has since been reported missing in action. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Van Meter, 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.