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 Sergeant William C. Bateman (ASN: 38175417), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 February 1945 in Germany. On that night, First Sergeant Bateman, while returning from a supply point from his company near Biesdorf, Germany, heard German conversation in a field by the road along which he was groping his way. Crawling slowly towards the source of the sound he fired at the noise, killing one German, wounding another, and took a third one prisoner. After conducting his prisoner to the ration point and turning him over to an officer, he organized a detail to carry the much needed supplies to his men at the front. First Sergeant Bateman’s courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.