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 E. Arii (ASN: 39000870), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 April 1945, in Italy. A platoon moved out to neutralize enemy positions near Seravezza. The hostile defenses were well-prepared and all approaches were heavily mined and covered by machine guns and supporting riflemen who opened fire the minute the attack began. Staff Sergeant Arii, acting platoon guide, moved from the rear of the platoon and took command of a squad which he led against an enemy dugout. Despite intense fire, he led his men in killing 4 and capturing 14 of the foe. He then deployed two squads with orders to dig in. While digging in, 3 enemy grenades were fired at the men from a well-concealed dugout to their direct front. The foe immediately followed this with machine gun and rifle fire. Staff Sergeant Arii quickly led a charge upon the enemy, this time killing 2 and capturing 7, together with a considerable amount of material. Later the same day, he directed the left elements of the platoon in a fierce firefight which resulted in 3 more enemy killed and 11 captured with a large quantity of material. Staff Sergeant Arii’s outstanding leadership during these operations exemplify the heroic traditions of the United States Army.