The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William Hanmer (ASN: 0-1176360), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 398th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Lieutenant Hanmer was serving as a Forward Observer attached to a tank company. The company was under heavy observed anti-tank fire. In an effort to alleviate the situation and without thought of his own safety, Lieutenant Hanmer moved his tank out in the open to engage the enemy guns and to adjust artillery on them. While doing this his tank was knocked out and he was seriously wounded. His actions were an inspiration and reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.