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 Annesley Kromer (ASN: 0-24004), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Company A, 1st Battalion, 345th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Moircy, Belgium, on 30 December 1944. Captain Kromer was commanding Company A as it advanced to take a town as its objective. The Third Platoon, which was well in advance of the company, became subjected to murderous frontal fire from two enemy tanks partially protected by buildings, while fire from the rear came from machine guns and small arms fire from enemy positions in the field. Captain Kromer immediately ordered his first platoon leader to advance with rocket launcher teams in an effort to knock out the tanks. He himself then took command of the first platoon, assaulted the enemy machine gun positions, and silenced them after killing or capturing all the occupants. Meanwhile the Third Platoon had suffered many casualties from the hostile fire. Realizing the dangerous position of the men, Captain Kromer ordered the second platoon to advance to aid in the attack. During these actions he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire with complete disregard for his own personal safety, risking his life many times in order to personally supervise the action. Finally being fully conscious of the risk he was taking, Captain Kromer moved further forward to better direct his troops and control operations. He moved only a few yards when he was struck down by machine gun fire. He died a few minutes later. His gallantry, courageous leadership and outstanding heroism, contributed greatly toward the success of his mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Kromer, 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.