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 Private William H. Pritchard (ASN: 16063911), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, near Hoffalino, Belgium, on 19 January 1945. The patrol of which he was a member was subjected to intense machine gun and small arms fire which killed or wounded the light machine gun crew. Private Pritchard voluntarily exposed himself to the heavy fire to man the machine gun. With complete disregard for his own safety he placed the machine gun in action knowing that the enemy would concentrate their fire on his position. He continued to fire as rapidly as possible until the patrol had reached a covered position. As he attempted to follow the patrol he was killed by the intense enemy fire. His undaunted courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades were in accord with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.