The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William R. King (ASN: 37488142), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 80th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 30 March and 31 March 1945. Private King was driver of a one-quarter ton truck. When his platoon, advancing on a reconnaissance mission, was pinned down by artillery and small arms fire, he was instructed to make his way to safety. Seeing one of the battalion tanks burning, he returned to the front and attempted to evacuate the members of the tank crew. He then drove another vehicle to safety under heavy fire. On the following day Private King was pinned down by small arms and artillery fire. Seeing that his platoon leader was wounded, he voluntarily left his position, making his way across open terrain to inform the battalion commander of the situation and to bring up medical aid. While so engaged he was fatally wounded. His devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety in the interest of his comrades is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.