The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William Keller (ASN: 36025479), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 April 1945, in Germany. Technical Sergeant Keller’s platoon was ordered to clear a wooded area in which an enemy force was known to be located. Rather than risk the lives of his men, Technical Sergeant Keller decided to enter the woods alone and attempt to persuade the enemy to surrender. At the risk of having the enemy open fire on him at any moment, he dauntlessly advanced into the woods, located the enemy and, employing his knowledge of German, persuaded the entire enemy force of seventy-eight to surrender. His gallant action prevented casualties and was solely responsible for the elimination of a dangerous enemy pocket. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Keller, 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.