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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harmon W. Williams (ASN: 0-1293690), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 June 1944 in Italy. Instructed to protect the left flank of the battalion as it moved across the mountains, Lieutenant Williams led his platoon along a road toward his objective until a well concealed enemy force unexpectedly opened fire with machine guns, mortars, and grenades. He immediately jumped from his vehicle in the face of the intense fire and ordered his men to leave the trucks and seek cover in a small ditch. Then, moving swiftly under the continuous mortar shelling and small arms fire, he went back to a truck and tried to put a machine gun into action against the enemy. While attempting to direct fire on the attackers, he was mortally wounded. 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.