The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] William J. Sullivan (ASN: RA-12345216), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 October 1951 in the vicinity of Imokchong, Korea. On this date Corporal Sullivan, an ammunition bearer for the 57-mm. recoilless rifle squad, volunteered to operate the weapon when the loader and gunner were wounded. Completely ignoring the deadly blaze of enemy mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire, Corporal Sullivan advanced with the assaulting squad. Fully realizing the 57-mm. recoilless rifle was not an assault weapon and that the back blast attracted attention, making him an obvious target for enemy fire, he continued to ascend the hill. Firing the weapon at close range into hostile positions he overcame the fanatical enemy resistance. Upon reaching the objective, Corporal Sullivan set up the weapon on a commanding knoll and, exposed to the intense enemy fire, expended the remaining ammunition on the withdrawing hostile force. He then descended the hazardous slope to obtain ammunition for friendly machine guns situated on the crest of the hill. Coming upon a wounded comrade he carried him to safety and medical aid. Securing all the ammunition he could carry, he returned to the crest of the hill and distributed it to all the machine gun emplacements. Corporal Sullivan made numerous trips, evacuating the wounded and returning with more ammunition. His selfless and heroic actions saved the lives of men who might have died and aided immeasurably in the successful completion of his unit’s mission. The gallantry in action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Sullivan reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.