William G. Black

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to First Lieutenant William G. Black (Then Second Lieutenant), Infantry,  United States Army, for gallantry in action near Aitapo, British New Guinea, on 5 August 1944. When an enemy force in excellent positions had pinned down with heavy fire the infantry battalion in which he was a platoon leader of a rifle company, First Lieutenant Black volunteered to lead a six man patrol with the mission of determining the enemy’s strength and gathering other pertinent information. When, as they approached the enemy positions, they were fired upon with machine guns and rifles, he ordered his men to cover and with utter disregard for his own safety exposing himself to the continuing enemy fire crawled to a point just behind the first enemy gun, deliberately firing from a kneeling position in order to draw the enemy’s fire thus revealing their positions he wiped out the enemy crew. Because of his aggressiveness, fearlessness and superior leadership and in spite of his own wound, the mission was accomplished and resulted in the complete routing of the enemy. This act reflects great credit upon First Lieutenant Black and upholds the highest traditions of the service.