William J. Collier

Private 1st Class, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 129 (May 18, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William J. Collier (ASN: 38607732), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 7 February 1945 in Germany.
On that date, during a temporary lull in the assault across the Our River into Germany and the Siegfried Line, the company in which Private First Class Collier served as a rifleman consolidated its position. While preparing to dig in Private First Class Collier accidentally pulled the pin of a grenade on his belt. Realizing that he could not throw it far enough to keep from endangering others, he grasped the grenade in both hands and between his legs, utterly disregarding his own life. The explosion broke his leg and blew off both hands. Even in shock he remarked "I'm glad no one else got hurt. Keep on going. I'm sorry I can't go with you."
Private First Class Collier's courage, consideration for his fellow soldiers, and supreme devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.