BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION
APO 230 U.S. ARMY

6 February 1945

SUBJECT Battlefield appointment as Second Lieutenant, AUS

TO: Commanding General, First United States Army, APO 339 (Thru Channels)

1. Under the provisions of Circ. 59, Hqs. ETOUSA, 1 June 44, it is recommended that the following individual, having clearly demonstrated his fitness for appointment by outstanding performance in actual combat, be appointed as Second Lieutenant AUS.

a. William                    F.           Knapp         16148795        S/Sgt
    (First Name) (Middle Initial)  (Last Name)       (ASN)        (Grade)

2. This Individual has clearly demonstrated his fitness for appointment by outstanding performance in actual combat as follows:

          In Holland on the 18th of September 1944, the First Battalion 508th Parachute Infantry, was ordered to attack and clear the DZ of enemy which had overrun it after the parachute drop.  Company "B" was one of the attacking companies. S/Sgt William F. Knapp assumed command of the 1st platoon since both his platoon leader and assistant platoon leader were casualties.  In the attack, he led the forward elements of his platoon in the final assault and drove the enemy back.  He then reorganized his platoon, reported to the Company Commander, and set his platoon up in a defensive position that threw back a ver[y] strong counter-attack by the enemy on the following day.  His control and supervision of his platoon was superior.  He continued to function as platoon leader for the remainder of the Holland campaign.

          In the present campaign, due to heavy loss of officers, Sergeant Knapp was again assigned as assistant platoon leader.  He had performed in a superior manner.  He has demonstrated the finest qualities of leadership and has the utmost respect of his men.

          a.  Platoon Leader      508 Prcht Inf. 7 Nov to date                                       
                (duty assignment)      (Unit)            (Period)  (Manner of Performance)

          b.  Campaigns in which the individual hjas previously engaged in combat:

                (1)  Normandy
                (2)  Holland
                (3)  Belgium

3.  201 file of this individual does not contain any record of court-martial proceedings having been instituted in his case, nor do the records of this headquarters show any reason why this individual  should not be appointed in the army of the United States.

4.  The statements made in inclosed Personnel Questionnaire (WD AGO Form 0850) have been verified in so far as practicable.

          a.  AGCT score* attained --- 146.

5.  A position vacancy exists after considering requisitions not acted upon and the appointment of all other individuals previous recommended on whose recommendations final action has not been taken.  The approved tables of organization or allotment under which the vacancy exists is T/O 7-31.

6.  Upon  appointment it is recommended this individual be assigned to the 508th Parachute Infatry as Assistant Platoon Leader.

SHIELDS WARREN, Jr.
Lieut. Col Infantry
Commanding

3 Incls:
1.  WD AGO Form 0850
2.  WD AGO Form 0850a (Dup)
3. Certificate of Physical Condition

1st Ind.
HEADQUARTERS 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY, APO 230,  U.S. ARMY  6 Feb 1945

[AGCT = Army General Classification Test)