Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company F, 365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

The Silver Star is presented to Captain William S.M. Banks Jr. for action performed in the period of 6-14 February 1945 in the vicinity of Albiano/Province of Lucca, Tuscany region, Italy.
"Captain Banks' company attacked and seized a heavily mined hill. During the following 8 day period the enemy launched 8 separate determined counter-attacks against the position. Captain Banks personally deployed his company each time constantly supervising and encouraging his men and directing counter-mortar and artillery fire time and time again. On one occasion he personally commanded a group that repulsed a hostile attacking force, killing one enemy soldier and nine enlisted men. Captain Banks' extremely effective personal leadership of his company under hazardous combat conditions was in keeping with the gallant traditions of the United States Army."