The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William C. Weber, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 22 – 23 January 1944. After advancing across a heavily mined area and crossing a river on a small foot bridge, Sergeant Weber and a small group made their way through furious enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire to the point where the company had been ordered to dig in. This small group prepared defensive positions and, for two nights and a day, fought off all enemy attacks. Constantly alert during this period, they maintained their positions with fearlessness and aggressive vigor. Often the enemy crept close enough to call out through the fog, smoke and darkness for them to surrender, saying that an officer had ordered the capitulation. Their reply was a volley of rifle fire and expertly thrown hand grenades. When the small group was ordered to evacuate their positions, they covered each other’s withdrawals until they all reached points of safety. Sergeant Weber’s courageous deeds exemplified the noblest ideas of devotion to duty and disregard for self in performing assigned missions. 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William C. Weber, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy in 1944. 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.