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 First Class William M. Winnie (ASN: 20313429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 8 June 1944, near ****, France. Upon landing in France on D-Day, Private First Class Winnie suffered injuries in his right side, and a fractured leg but refused to seek medical aid. He stayed with his group and helped as best he could in numerous skirmishes. After three days his fractured leg was so swollen that he could not walk and was forced to seek medical aid. During one of the engagements in which he participated, Private First Class Winnie, although in great pain from his injuries, voluntarily went on a flanking mission with four other men in an attempt to eliminate a hostile machine gun. With total disregard for his own personal safety and showing great determination and skill, Private First Class Winnie worked his way close to the machine gun and launched grenades with such accuracy that the gun was put out of action, enabling the further advance of the unit. It was later found that Private First Class Winnie had suffered broken ribs and a broken leg in landing by parachute. Private First Class Winnie proved himself a soldier of determination and of the highest valor. He is respected and admired by all his fellow men. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. 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.