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. Troutman (ASN: 35689401), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bwennwihr, France. Suffering the loss of his leg when he stepped on a Schu-mine, Private First Class Troutman continued to direct a platoon on a mission through the mine field with no further injury to the platoon. After nightfall, with the aid of crutches, improvised from a rifle and his entrenching tool, Private First Class Troutman evacuated himself. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.