Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 111 (August 30, 1950)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Fortune Coghill (ASN: 0-50753), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of the 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 12 August 1950 at Yongsan , Korea. By infiltration the enemy had reached the Division main supply route and succeeded in establishing a road block composed of anti-tank and automatic weapons which denied passage of supplies to front line units. Eight vehicles had been destroyed by the enemy in attempting to run this road block. Lieutenant Coghill, in an effort to locate exact enemy positions and to secure a re-supply of ammunition for the Reconnaissance Company, volunteered to run the road block in a jeep. In this attempt, he was seriously wounded through his leg but managed to get through the road block to his company command post. Although suffering intense pain, he refused treatment until he had informed his company commander of the enemy intelligence. This information enabled the company to successfully eliminate the road block and to open the Division main supply route. His bravery, devotion to duty and selfless action reflect the highest credit on Lieutenant Coghill and the armed forces.