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 (Corps of Engineers), [then First Lieutenant] William Spencer (ASN: 0-1557912), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 258th Engineer Combat Battalion (Separate), in support of the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 23 March 1945 to 24 March 1945, in Germany. Captain Spencer displayed unusual professional skill and personal bravery in directing his unit in manning and operating the assault boats which carried a battalion of infantry across the Rhine River. Although heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire fell around him, he gallantly continued acting as a beachmaster thus making certain the success of the crossing and aiding in keeping casualties to a minimum. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Spencer, 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.