The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William James Sweet, Jr. (ASN: 0-454035), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 2 February 1945, near ****, Germany. Personally leading his company in an attack on strongly defended pillboxes and fortifications of the Siegfried Line, Captain Sweet so inspired his men by his courage and gallantry that they swept forward undaunted by the intense fire, neutralized the positions, and took thirty prisoners. When the enemy counter-attack threatened to split the battalion, Captain Sweet so committed his company as to confuse the enemy and disorganize their attack. Although wounded, he refused to be evacuated and continued to expose himself fearlessly as he directed the efforts of his men. The gallant leadership of Captain Sweet was a prime factor in the success of his battalion and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.