The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant William K. Farmer (ASN: 6985785), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 16 February 1945, in Germany. First Sergeant Farmer on this date observed that several soldiers had been wounded by enemy shellfire. He, without regard for his own personal safety, and disregarding the fact that enemy shells were still falling all around him, obtained a 3/4 ton weapons carrier and drove to the area where the wounded men were lying in their foxholes. After placing the men in the truck, the increased tempo of shelling caused him to decide to put the men back into their foxholes and to bring aid to them rather than expose them to further shellfire, while being taken to the aid station. While returning to the area with the Battalion Surgeon, and before he reached the wounded men, he drove over a hidden enemy mine, which exploded, painfully injuring him. First Sergeant Farmer’s unselfish devotion to duty and utter disregard for his own safety in attempting to aid his wounded comrades was an inspiration to the command. 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.