The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William G. Yepsen (ASN: 0-1054883), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 December 1944, near *****, Belgium. When an enemy tank moved forward, pouring cannon fire into his Platoon strong points, Lieutenant Yepsen crawled to an exposed position with a machine gun. Although enemy automatic weapons fire came within six inches of him, Lieutenant Yepsen returned the fire and eliminated a machine gun position before turning his attention to the tank. Firing prolonged bursts of AP and Tracer ammunition at the driver’s elite, he caused the enemy tank to remain buttoned up, hampering its efficiency. He held this exposed position and continued to harass the tank until mortally wounded by direct cannon fire. The courage, aggressiveness, and intrepid leadership displayed by Lieutenant Yepsen were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.