During a mission to secure terrain known as "Cemetery Hill", Billy's platoon came under intense enemy fire that "... inflicted numerous casualties and pinned the unit down. In the initial attack, when the platoon leader and the non-commissioned officers were either killed or wounded, Private Krowse assumed command, ably reorganized the remnants of the unit, and issued orders for a continued assault. Observing a hostile machine gun position holding up further advance, he proceeded alone under fire and succeeded in personally eliminating the enemy position. While clearing the area around the gun position, he was killed by a hidden, enemy rifleman, but his indomitable courage so inspired his comrades that they surged forward and secured the hill. The consummate determination, exemplary leadership, and heroic self - sacrifice, clearly displayed by Private Krowse reflect the highest credit upon- himself, the 78th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. [Department of the Army, General Orders No. 89, October 3, 1952.]

Billy was 19 years old when he was killed in-action near Honnef, Germany, and he was temporarily
buried in Henri Chapelle Cemetery in Belgium. Billy's final resting place is at Oak Crest Abbey
Mausoleum in Park Cemetery, Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri.