The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William W. Frutchey (ASN: 0-556319), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, *** Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, on 10 April 1945. During an attack on enemy positions in the vicinity of Schwarstedt, Germany, Company E was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire. Lieutenant Frutchey, disregarding his personal safety, crossed an open field to reconnoiter enemy positions. Returning to his weapons platoon, he led them across this open field and indicated their positions. Exposing himself to the enemy in order to observe better the results of his fire, he directed superbly the fire of his mortar squad, successfully knocking out a machine gun nest and killing three of the enemy. His manifest leadership ability in eliminating this enemy positions resulted in the successful continuation of the attack by the entire company. His heroic actions and inspiring initiative inspired his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.