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. Higashiyama (ASN: 39929777), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 April 1945, in Italy. A company was advancing in a battalion attack against Hill “Georgia”. The enemy directed accurate and intense mortar and artillery fire against the assault from well-prepared and strongly-defended positions. Enemy machine gun ad small arms fire from trenches and dugouts increased the hostile fire and the attacking company was pinned down. One of the men was seriously wounded in an exposed position. Private First Class Higashiyama, without hesitation, dashed 40 yards thru a heavily-mined area and dragged his injured comrade to safety. As he administered first aid, the foe began throwing hand grenades at him, one of which wounded him in the leg. Regardless of this, he continued attending the casualty. His high courage reflects credit on the traditions of the United States Army.