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 C. Albert (ASN: 35440242), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 11 January 1945 at Rittershoffen, France. When infiltrating enemy infantry and armor threatened to cut off the house his platoon was defending, Private Albert volunteered to cover the withdrawal of the platoon. Observing eight Germans advancing on his position with four Americans as a screen, he killed seven of the enemy and liberated his comrades. Fired upon by an enemy tank, he returned the fire with his rifle and killed two of the tank crew. When his position became untenable, he fired a final burst from his weapon and withdrew. Private Albert’s extraordinary heroism and gallantry enabled his platoon to withdraw without casualty.