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 F. Hall (ASN: 13014506), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on **** 1943, about one-quarter mile from *****, Sicily. Private Hall, an officer and twenty men were surrounded by the enemy while engaged in cutting enemy artillery communication wires on the outskirts of the enemy-held town of *****. Realizing their precarious position, Private Hall and another enlisted man volunteered their services in an effort to locate friendly troops. Private Hall borrowed a .45 caliber pistol for close fighting, then with disregard for his personal safety, worked his way out into the open where he was subjected to heavy artillery and machine gun fire. At times he was close enough to enemy positions to hear their attempted conversations over telephones, the wired of which his crew had cut. He was successful in locating friendly troops and directing his comrades to safety. 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.