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 H. Bean (ASN: 36909534), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, on 13 April 1945, in the vicinity of Bochum, Germany. A building in which the forward elements of Company A were quartered was suddenly subjected to a bombardment of concentrated enemy bazooka fire, followed by an attack by German riflemen supported by machine gun fire. Private First Class Bean, a Rifleman, together with another enlisted man, had been on guard at the entrance of the building. When the concentration of bazooka fire fell on the area, he, together with the other enlisted man, remained at their posts despite the precariousness of the situation; and, as the enemy moved forward, fired at them, slowing their advance and enabling the remainder of the men within the building to be alerted and organize resistance. Although Bone Bean and the other enlisted man were killed by enemy fire while at their posts, his action enabled the forward elements of Company A to successfully repel the enemy assault. The heroism of Private First Class Bean at the cost of his life is in accordance with the highest military traditions.