The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade William Teel (ASN: 37001905), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 8 and 9 October 1944. Technician Teel, a radio operator, accompanied his forward observation section into the town of **** on 8 October, and set up his radio in a building which served as a command post for an infantry company. This building received several direct hits which showered Technician Teel with pieces of stone, but displaying remarkable calmness and devotion to duty, he kept his radio in operation without interruption. That afternoon, he assisted three other men in rescuing a soldier who was wounded by a sniper, despite the fact that he was himself fired upon by the well concealed sniper. On the morning of 9 October, five German Tiger Tanks entered the town and commenced firing from positions about one hundred yards from the command post. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Technician Teel maintained communications in a clam and efficient manner, enabling artillery fire to be adjusted against enemy positions in the area, and contributing materially to the subsequent rout of all Germans from this area. 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 and the United States Army.