The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William M. Kirschner, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 33d Infantry Division, in action near Baker Hill, Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands on 13 April 1945. When the first scout of his platoon was wounded and pinned down by enemy machine gun fire Private Kirschner immediately assumed the lead with utter disregard for his own life. During his forward movement his gun was shattered by enemy fire. He quickly returned to his squad and borrowed another weapon and moved back to his former position and knocked out the enemy machine gun and its crew, thereby permitting his squad to move forward and take its objective. The aggressiveness, courage and coolness under fire displayed by Private Kirschner was a source of inspiration to all members of his squad and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.