The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William J. Reardon, Jr. (ASN: 0-1312717), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 17 September 1944, at ****, Holland. First Lieutenant Reardon, assistant platoon leader, Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, seized and occupied a position with forty men against opposition of approximately 200 enemy. He refused to let anyone precede him, and, with absolute disregard for personal safety and enemy small arms fire, led his men in storming the well entrenched enemy positions and halted only when the entire position had been taken. Throughout the action, First Lieutenant Reardon was continually at the head of his men. He encouraged and directed them with great skill and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, who surrendered approximately one hundred and fifty prisoners and three 20-mm. gun batteries. After he had consolidated the position he was attacked by another force of enemy estimated at two companies. Again, with disregard for personal safety, First Lieutenant Reardon and a small group of men beat off the attack, inflicting extensive casualties upon the enemy and took approximately fifty of them prisoners. Throughout the action First Lieutenant Reardon directed and urged his platoon in every way possible. His initiative and perseverance was an inspiration to his men and was a material contribution to the success of the company and the battalion mission. 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.