The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William J. Rothweiler (ASN: 37409023), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 April 1945, at ****, Germany. Staff Sergeant Rothweiler, Acting Platoon Sergeant, finding that one of his outposts was cut off during a fierce enemy counterattack, went forward alone under concentrated SP artillery and grazing machine gun fire to their aid. En route he neutralized an enemy machine gun crew, killing two Germans with a rifle grenade. After reaching his hard pressed men, he skillfully withdrew them to a position of safety. During this movement he personally killed three more Germans who were part of a patrol which attempted to block the withdrawal. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Airborne Forces.