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 Burton W. Keller (ASN: 20929736), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 5th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in the vicinity of Lingenfeld, Germany. The mission of the 2d Platoon was to lead Company L in making contact with friendly units and to assist the advance of the company front. As the platoon advanced, they were brought under intense enemy sniper fire coming from a single large barn on the left front. Sergeant Keller and six men were ordered to clear the barn of enemy and cover the platoon’s advance. In spite of the fact that Sergeant Keller and his patrol were confronted with heavy 88-mm. artillery fire and harassed by sniper fire which killed one member of the patrol. Sergeant Keller, through his superior leadership, led the patrol to the vicinity of the barn. The forward progress of the patrol was temporarily halted by a high wire fence approximately fifty yards from the barn. Leaving his patrol under what little cover was available, Sergeant Keller advanced to the fence, cut a hold and directed his patrol through to the barn. Sergeant Keller entered the barn, and directed the seizure of enemy personnel, thereby greatly assisting in the advance of his company. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.