1 February 1917 – 6 June 1944

Hometown

Bellevue, Pennsylvania

Service number

33034179

Rank

Staff Sergeant

Unit

Company E, 16th Infantry Regiment

Award(s)

Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal

William C. Gutknecht graduated from Perrysville High School where he was chosen a member of the All-City Football team. He worked for the Duquesne Light Company prior to entering the Service in March 1944.

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Citation: Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, and in accordance with authority contained in paragraph 4, Section I, Circular 2, Headquarters First U.S. Army, 4 January 1945, William C. Gutknecht, 33034179, Staff Sergeant, Company E, 16th Infantry, is posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Despite intense enemy machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire directed from strongly fortified positions, Sergeant Gutknecht, observing a wounded soldier lying helplessly by the water’s edge, courageously crossed exposed beach and assisted the casualty to shore. In the accomplishment of his gallant deed, Sergeant Gutknecht was mortally wounded. Residence at enlistment: Bellevue, Pennsylvania. Next of kin: Mrs. Cleova Gutknecht, Mother, 347 Balph Ave., Bellevue, Pennsylvania.

Citation: Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, William C. Gutknecht, 33034179, Staff Sergeant, Company E, 16th Infantry, is awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism in the vicinity of Devonshire, England, 24 February 1944. When a trailer containing ammunition was being unloaded and a faulty flame-thrower burst into flames, Sergeant Gutknecht, at grave personal risk, fearlessly removed the explosives and extinguished the fire. His display of coolness and quick thinking despite severe burns, prevented injury and possible death to nearby personnel. Residence at enlistment: Bellevue, Pennsylvania.