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 Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) William Vincent Martz (ASN: 0-19879), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of a Tank Destroyer Battalion, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** and **** Sectors, France, during the period 11 July to 8 August 1944. On 22 July 1944 he led a patrol in the successful evacuation of the bodies of two officers from a position exposed to observed enemy fire. Throughout the period 11 July to 8 August 1944, he visited advance tank destroyer positions on occasions when enemy fire was so intense that the destroyer crews could not leave the comparative safety of the destroyers. His sound employment of the tank destroyers, skillful and courageous leadership, and zealous devotion to duty, were an inspiration to his troops, and responsible for the success of numerous battalion missions during the period mentioned. Colonel Martz has been missing in action since 8 August 1944, when he made a personal reconnaissance into enemy-held territory in the vicinity of ****. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Martz, 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.