The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William B. Pierce (ASN: 0-1289313), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 4 May 1945, in the vicinity of Graben, Austria. Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, was assigned the mission of securing two bridges northeast of Lambach on the main route near the town of Graben. Lieutenant Pierce, Commanding Officer, Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, led one platoon and quickly captured a group of thirty-eight enemy soldiers. Continuing the advance, Lieutenant Pierce led two platoons abreast in wiping out nests of snipers en route to the bridge. When his company was stopped by a stream line and enemy machine gun fire was placed upon them, Lieutenant Pierce, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to this fire and running to his mortar section, directed fire upon the enemy position, thereby destroying this threat. Lieutenant Pierce then returned to his company and led them forward to seize the bridges and rapidly expanded his bridgeheads to protect them. Lieutenant Pierce’s gallantry and leadership was an inspiration to his men and were in accordance with the highest tradition of the Armed Forces.