The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William D. Owens (ASN: 16068342), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Staff Sergeant Owens, Platoon Sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, under direct enemy small arms fire climbed a fence carrying an M-6 Machine Gun and set up covering fire enabling his platoon to advance. His platoon was in the attack and was being held up by an enemy strongpoint of automatic weapons, which could not be flanked because of the type of terrain. Staff Sergeant Owens, cradling the machine gun in his arms, climbed the fence under enemy small arms fire and took up a position on the enemy’s side, as a base of fire. As a result of his heroic action, the platoon was enabled to advance and drive back the enemy. The heroic action and exemplary conduct of Staff Sergeant Owens was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.