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 E. Guinn (ASN: 34083712), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 and 20 March 1945. Sergeant Guinn, acting platoon leader, advanced approximately 30 yards in front of his men. Directing his platoon to lay down a base of fire, he moved forward and personally cut his way through a barbed wire entanglement which blocked the approaches to the strong point. He then assaulted the trenches in front of the pillbox and forced the enemy riflemen to take cover in the fortification. Despite hostile fire, he swiftly moved to the side of the pillbox and threw hand grenades through the aperture, killing three Germans and forcing the remainder to flee. By his quick thinking and aggressiveness, Sergeant Guinn reduced and enemy pillbox and was able to establish a strong defense of the area. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Guinn, 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.