The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William Howard Crabtree, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Crabtree went out to locate a route over which he could move his anti-tank gun to support an adjacent battalion. Although he was hampered by rain and enemy fire, he located the unit and a suitable route. Returning to his squad, he directed and aided in moving the gun. Heavy fire was encountered and, at one point, he directed his men in setting up the gun and returning fire on an enemy tank, silencing it. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Crabtree, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.