William C. Keys

1st Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 64 (December 13, 1944)
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 First Sergeant William C. Keys (ASN: 6278295), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 18 September 1944, near ****, Holland.
Immediately after landing by glider, First Sergeant Keys, Battery A, 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, went towards the enemy lines to help recover equipment from other gliders that were under mortar fire. While unloading one glider two men were killed by enemy sniper fire. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, and under constant small arms fire, First Sergeant Keys walked to the house the sniper was in, killed him, and too two other prisoners. His actions were an inspiration to the men and a tribute to the Armed Forces.