The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William F. Gilliss (ASN: 31301952), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 10 August 1944, in France. While his platoon was assigned to secure a railroad bridge over the La Maine River southeast of Angers, Sergeant Gilliss volunteered to cross the bridge, which was under intense 88-mm. fire, and locate a missing reconnaissance patrol of his platoon. Sergeant Gilliss crossed the bridge and located the patrol and returned to his unit with the necessary reconnaissance data needed for future operations. The courage and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Sergeant Gilliss reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.