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 Willard M. Christman (ASN: 15076856), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. When information concerning the enemy strength and capabilities was greatly needed, Technician Fifth Grade Christman volunteered for the mission. With two other men he succeeded in penetrating twelve hundred yards behind the enemy front lines. Technician Fifth Grade Christman’s intelligent and daring leadership enabled his patrol to return with exact information on the locations of three heavy gun emplacements and one battalion of infantry. Technician Fifth Grade Christman’s initiative, aggressiveness and personal gallantry were in keeping with the high traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.