The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William Kooyenga, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy in Italy, on 3 January 1944. During an attack, while leading his Infantry squad, Sergeant Kooyenga was wounded in the head by small arms fire while advancing. The fire his squad faced was sufficient to halt the advance of the entire attacking force. His platoon leader, not aware of his injuries, gave orders to Sergeant Kooyenga and his squad to advance and neutralize the enemy fire coming from their flank. Disregarding his injuries, he led his squad forward until he received orders from a senior non-commissioned officer who was aware of his wounds, to remain in position. Although he was wounded and received orders not to move forward with his squad, he assisted the squad’s advance by calling out to his men various orders that aided in their advance. This greatly aided the success of the attack. 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.