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 Second Lieutenant (Armor) William C. Boom (ASN: 0-13237604), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3d Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 1 April 1945. Lieutenant Boom was leading his men in the attack on Paderborn, Germany, when the battle group was cut off and surrounded by German infantry firing bazookas and rifles. The fire became intense and he climbed to a point of vantage from where he located the enemy group responsible for the mounting casualties in his own unit, and, with a carbine killed three Germans and caused additional fire to be directed from their position. He relieved the enemy pressure on his platoon, but in so doing disclosed himself and was killed. Lieutenant Boom’s 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.