The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Frederick Northam (ASN: 0-19547), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Executive Officer of the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 11 and 12 August 1944. Colonel Northam, Executive Officer, 320th Infantry Regiment, assumed command of the Third Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, on 11 August 1944, led his troops forward and made contact with a battalion that had been cut off by the enemy some hours earlier. He continued forward to the battalion objective, heavily wood high ground near ****, occupied by strong enemy forces in prepared positions. In the face of heavy enemy fire of all types and numerous enemy tanks, he led his battalion in a successful assault on the objective. Throughout the action, the superb leadership of Colonel Northam, his fearlessness, coolness, tenacity of purpose, and utter disregard for personal safety, served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his battalion. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Northam, 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.