The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) William C. Gardner (ASN: 0-468625), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with the Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 April 1945. Captain Gardner, a battalion surgeon, voluntarily crawled thirty yards while fully exposed to Japanese rifle fire in order to rescue an American soldier lying helplessly wounded in full view of the enemy. He spent ten minutes giving necessary first aid treatment, although enemy rifle bullets struck nearby, and then placed the casualty on a litter. Crawling on his stomach, Captain Gardner was able to push the litter before him to a position where litter bearers were waiting under cover to evacuate the wounded man. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.