The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William A. Irvin, Jr. (ASN: 33656944), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 177th Field Artillery Battalion, in action against the enemy on 10 January 1945, near *****, Belgium. While Corporal Irvin was serving in a forward observer’s party with the Infantry, his position was suddenly attacked by the enemy. Calmly, he fought with the infantry, firing at point-blank range at the oncoming enemy and hurling hand grenades into their midst. Even though the enemy onslaught was not stopped until it reached within ten feet of Corporal Irvin’s position, he stood fast and continued to fire until the attack was repulsed. Corporal Irvin’s gallantry and courageous devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.