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 Lieutenant William H. Wilkerson, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while a member of 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) (Separate). On 7 through 8 March 1945, in Germany, the Squadron received the mission of protecting the right flank of the 78th Division by advancing in a pursuit attack while protecting the Squadron’s right flank. Moving quickly and aggressively, the unit took 50 prisoners out of Ober-Kralingen after a sharp fight. Heading out for Kreuzberg, the task force moved toward Altenahr. Sustaining withering enemy fire during the two day’s offensive action, the Squadron took 400 Prisoners of War, killed 60 enemy soldiers, and destroyed 25 unarmored vehicles and two tanks. The aggressive courage, gallantry and selfless devotion to duty personally displayed by First Lieutenant Wilkerson while under continual enemy fire reflected utmost credit upon himself, the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized, V Corps, and the Army of the United States.