The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William L. Aston, Jr. (ASN: 33414344), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, about one mile from ****, Belgium. Private Aston, a Bazooka man in Company F, exposed himself fearlessly to accurate enemy small arms and machine gun fire which was causing many casualties in his company during an attack on an enemy strongpoint in an effort to fix his bazooka fire on the enemy position. Seeing two of his comrades become casualties he unhesitatingly advanced about 100 yards through the enemy fire in an effort to aid the two wounded men. In this attempt, he was hit three times by enemy bullets. He returned to his squad, took a rifle from the hands of another fallen comrade and continued the fight until loss of blood and exhaustion forced his evacuation. Through this entire action, Private Aston displayed a singular devotion to duty and unselfish heroism which was an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. 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.