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 Corporal William T. Cronin (ASN: 32794428), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 February 1945. When his company, supported by tanks, was ordered to capture and occupy an enemy-held ridge, Corporal Cronin was assigned the mission of controlling the fire and movement of the tank which supported his squad. The tank preceded the advancing infantry, and Corporal Cronin, using the telephone at the rear of the tank, effectively directed its fire at enemy positions. Although the tank drew intense hostile fire, Corporal Cronin efficiently handled his assignment. On several occasions, when he had difficulty in designating a target to the tank commander, he fearlessly ran out ahead of the tank to point out targets. Later, when the terrain became so steep that tanks could not operate, Corporal Cronin accompanied his squad in the attack. As the advancing troops passed a shallow cave, a concealed Japanese rifleman fatally wounded a member of Corporal Cronin’s Squad, who lay about 15 feet from the cave’s mouth. Corporal Cronin immediately crept forward in an attempt to aid his fallen comrade, but just as he reached the wounded man’s side he was killed by enemy fire. 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.