The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William R. Oliver (ASN: 0-1179559), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 232d Field Artillery Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 1 – 2 April 1945, at Breitenbrunn, Germany. While acting as Forward Observer with Company C, 232d Infantry, at Breitenbrunn, Germany, on 1 April 1945, Lieutenant Oliver was adjusting fire on enemy weapons in the town when he was caught in a cross fire from hostile small arms. Leaving his observation post, he immediately moved to a new position in an open field, from where, under heavy German machine gun and small arms fire, he brought artillery fire to bear upon the enemy, effectively supporting the Infantry in its attack upon the town. The following day, pinned down by fire from hostile machine guns less than fifty yards from his observation post, Lieutenant Oliver effectively directed the fire from his Battalion upon the enemy positions, neutralizing the fire and enabling our Infantry to advance through the town with a minimum of casualties. The skill exhibited by Lieutenant Oliver as an Artillery Observer and his coolness and courage under fire reflect distinct credit upon himself and the armed services of the United States.