The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William D. Krotzer (ASN: 39213380), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters Battery, 863d Field Artillery Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 March 1945, in the vicinity of Gudingen, Germany. Sergeant Krotzer, liaison sergeant, went out alone as forward observer without the aid of a forward observer party, taking as his only equipment an SCR 609 radio. Due to the shortage of personnel it was necessary for Sergeant Krotzer to operate his own radio and to adjust and observe artillery fire. At no time did he get excited or unnerved. Sergeant Krotzer was wounded by enemy shell fire while exposing himself in order to obtain closer observation to adjust artillery fire on the enemy. Sergeant Krotzer’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 65th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.