The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade William A. Hines, Jr. (ASN: 35607033), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 April 1945, in Germany. When his platoon was ambushed and his vehicle knocked out, Technician Fifth Grade Hines remained in it firing his guns and killing many of the enemy until he was ordered to fall back. He then assisted the mortar crews until their positions became untenable. Technician Fifth Grade volunteered to man a machine gun on a vehicle which was attempting to break through a roadblock established at the rear of the platoon. After the enemy fire had put the vehicle out of control, he braved heavy small arms fire to evacuate the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Hines, 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.