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 Sergeant William F. Finley (ASN: 35782572), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 December 1944, in the vicinity of Derichweiler, Germany. While accompanying his company commander on a reconnaissance mission, Sergeant Finley was subjected to intense enemy machine pistol fire. Working his way around to the front of the house, he then crawled across the roof of a barn despite the fact that he was exposed to the direct observation and fire of the enemy located in the shed of the barn. Opening fire on the shed with his rifle, he then jumped from the roof top and raced to the window of the shed. He threw two hand grenades inside the building and killed two enemy soldiers, neutralizing a mortar observation post. 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.