The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery) William Harry Bartlett (ASN: 0-12695), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 183d Field Artillery Group, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 3 April 1945, in the vicinity of Suhl, Germany. While serving as Group Commander, the task force which Colonel Bartlett’s group was supporting was halted in a defile by enemy fire which necessitated deployment over difficult terrain. Colonel Bartlett, deliberately exposing himself to enemy nebelwerfer, small arms and sniper fire, immediately established an observation post forward of the line occupied by the troops, and from this position directed the operations of the supporting artillery upon the city, with the result that the assault troops were able to deploy quickly and to capture the city with very light casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Bartlett, 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.