The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) William Rollins (ASN: 0-220660), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 October 1951 in the vicinity of Saegonbae, Korea. On this date, Lieutenant Rollins was leading his platoon, which had the mission of clearing a route of access through a narrow defile in a river bed for friendly advancing armor. As the platoon demolished the rocks, smoke and debris from the explosion would mark the unit’s position and intense enemy mortar and artillery fire were directed into the area. In spite of this furious hostile fire, Lieutenant Rollins continued to supervise and encourage his men in their work, and by remaining in an exposed position, he was an inspiration to his men. While leading his unit through the defile, Lieutenant Rollins was fatally wounded by enemy mortar fire, but as a result of his self-sacrificing action, the mission was successfully accomplished. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Rollins on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.