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 Staff Sergeant William V. Gegen (ASN: 37070952), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, 12 July 1944. In the operation against ****, the advance of Company I, *** Infantry Regiment, supported by the Second Platoon of Company M, was hampered by fire from an enemy machine gun emplacement on its flank. Sergeant Gegen, a squad leader, voluntarily crawled forward in order to locate the enemy emplacement. As he neared his objective, he was seriously wounded by enemy machine gun fire. When another noncommissioned officer went to his aid, Sergeant Gegen directed that aid be given to other men less seriously wounded. Sergeant Gegen died as a result of his wounds. His gallant actions, his disregard for personal safety and unselfish consideration for the welfare of wounded comrades-in-arms, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.