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 (Infantry) William H. Collins (ASN: 0-1013957), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 68th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in the vicinity of Werkle, Germany, on 31 March 1945. He skillfully and courageously directed a successful attack on the town, which was strongly defended by entrenched enemy troops and four tanks and several self-propelled guns. After finally reducing the enemy opposition in the city, he established himself in a position that was exposed to a withering concentration of all types of enemy fire from the enemy in order to direct a strong defense against ensuing enemy counter-attacks. His gallantry and grim determination in the face of overwhelming odds resulted in the capture of the town and eliminated a serious threat to the advance of our forces.