The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William B. Ackerman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 20 January 1944. Sergeant Ackerman was a squad leader in an Infantry company during the crossing of a river. The attack was launched under terrific enemy artillery, nebelwerfer, mortar, and small arms fire across the deep, fast-flowing river and over ground further protected by mine fields, booby traps, and barmed wire. Cover was negligible in the last 700 yards of the river approaches. Sergeant Ackerman and two other enlisted men advanced toward the enemy strongpoint to eliminate it when an enemy-thrown hand grenade landed in the middle of the group. Sergeant Ackerman picked up the grenade to throw it way from the group when it exploded in his hands and seriously wounded him. After the engagement he was reported missing in action, but on 11 February 1944, it was established that he was taken prisoner by the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.