William F. Deane

Major, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 78th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 360 (July 19, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) William F. Deane (ASN: K-100037), United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 291st Field Artillery Observation Battalion, 78th Infantry Division, on 7 April 1945 in the vicinity of Schellenburg, Germany.
Major Deane, on a reconnaissance mission within the town of Schellenburg, Germany, was fired upon by snipers. After clearing the source of the fire, he received fire from another building. Under heavy enemy fire, he entered on two occasions and forced fifty enemy soldiers to surrender. Intense rifle and artillery fire prevented his bringing the prisoners out into the open. His bold leadership and aggressive actions are in accordance with the highest military traditions.