William C. Termini

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William C. Termini (0-1296936), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On 3 August 1943, in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, Second Lieutenant Termini was in command of a platoon of machine guns emplaced on Hill 1190. The entire hill was under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire and Lieutenant Termini and his men held it despite three furious enemy counter-attacks. At almost impossible odds, he held out through the night of 3 August during which time he had lost nine men. Through his dogged determination and courage he and his inspired men held this vital position until they were relieved by two rifle companies about 2200 on 4 August. Lieutenant Termini’s display of leadership, courage and stamina during this action upheld the finest traditions of the United States Army.