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AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR MEDAL TO
1ST LT WILLIAM J. GARRY
For Gallantry In Action - 21 September 1944

CITATION: GO 61, 30 November 1944 (page 8)

WILLIAM J. GARRY, O-1298693, First Lieutenant, 508th Parachute Infantry. For gallantry in action on 21 September 1944, at ***, HOLLAND.

First Lieutenant GARRY, Executive Officer, Company "H", 508th Parachute Infantry, led a combat patrol from *** to *** on the Dutch-German frontier.  His mission was to determine the strength of enemy forces known to be in positions around ***.   The patrol encountered strong German resistance in this vicinity, but fought its way to withdraw his patrol.  Determined counter attacks by maneuvering groups attempted to block the withdrawal.  At one point the patrol was completely encircled, but First Lieutenant GARRY directed a sudden thrust which broke through and the enemy gave pursuit.  First Lieutenant GARRY fell to the rear of his escaping group and covered their withdrawal with a brisk rearguard action.  He successfully delayed the attacking enemy until the patrol had opportunity to move away.  He began to fall back continually engaging the Germans and delaying their attacks.  When it became evident that the patrol would make good its escape, the enemy caused pursuit and concentrated mortars in the area.  By his determined effort First Lieutenant GARRY was able to penetrate a well defended enemy strongpoint and secure information which enabled us to plan out later attack upon ***.  His willingness to place himself between the enemy and his retiring patrol was directly responsible for the safe return of his men.  In this final action, First Lieutenant GARRY was mortally wounded.  Entered military service from California.

Hero's Widow to
    Get Silver Star

   Lf. William James Garry of the Eighty-second Airborne Division, who was killed during the invasion of Holland last year will be awarded the Silver Star at a posthumous presentation to his widow this afternoon at 4:45 on the Presidio parade ground.
   Garry, whose widow, Nancy, lives at 1007 Dolores Street, received the Bronze Star during earlier combat.
   Mrs. Garry will appear at the retreat ceremony with her 18 months old son, William Jr., whom the officer never saw.

[The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, CA, 29 Nov 1945, Thu, Page 8;

S.F. Hero's Widow
         Gets Silver Star

   Nancy J. Garry, widow of 1st Lt. William J. Garry, yesterday received a Silver Star medal awarded her husband posthumously for heroism in the invasion of Holland September 20, 1944.
   Also present at the retreat ceremony at the Presidio was 18 month old William J. Garry Jr.
   The citation stated that Lieutenant Garry, while withdrawing his patrol after accomplishing its mission, almost single handedly fought a rear guard action which was directly responsible for the safe return of his men.

[The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, CA, 30 Nov 1945, Fri, Page 13;

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