The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William K. Kanuha (ASN: 20014499), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 5 February 1945, in the vicinity of Sarreguemines, France. Sergeant Kanuha courageously and skillfully led a patrol into enemy territory to secure important information. During withdrawal, their mission successfully completed, the patrol encountered a mine field and Sergeant Kanuha, in the lead, was seriously injured. He refused to be evacuated until he was sure that all of his patrol had returned, all the while directing the action and insuring the safe withdrawal of the whole patrol. Sergeant Kanuha’s outstanding courage was an inspiration to all those who witnessed his action and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.