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 Fourth Grade William T. Owen (ASN: 35250211), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 April 1945, in Germany. While Technician Fourth Grade Owen’s platoon was advancing across open ground toward an enemy town, it was suddenly subjected to intense machine gun and small arms fire from enemy positions located along a canal bank on the flank. Technician Fourth Grade Owen, aware that many casualties would be suffered if the enemy positions were not silenced, fearlessly exposed himself to withering machine gun fire and fired anti-tank grenades from his rifle at the enemy positions. Due largely to his gallant action the platoon was able to cross the open area at the cost of only one casualty. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fourth Grade Owen, 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.