The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) William Stephen Murray (ASN: 0-12227), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of **** and ****, France, on 8 November 1944. Colonel Murray had been in command of the 137th Infantry Regiment only a few days when this regiment attacked from the **** Woods to dislodge the enemy from a defensive position which the enemy had been holding and preparing for some five weeks. Colonel Murray on this, his first day of combat command of the regiment, conspicuously placed himself throughout the attack among the forward elements of his troops. He moved among his men and exhibited great coolness under fire, encouraging them forward with such speed as to take his objective with a minimum of casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Murray, 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.