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 William F. Keck (ASN: RA-12285914), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On that date his company was under heavy attack. Corporal Keck, a switchboard operator, throughout the action loyally remained at his post assisting an operator in the maintenance or communication within the various elements of the battalion. Even after the unit was completely overrun, Corporal Keck still remained in his position to the very last. When finally ordered to withdraw, Corporal Keck courageously organized a group of men and led them in a break through the hostile lines. At the time, he came upon his seriously wounded battalion commander. Directing a litter jeep to be brought up, Corporal Keck remained with his commander until the jeep arrived, whereupon he saw to it that the wounded officer was safely evacuated from the zone of fire. His determined actions during this critical period of the operations thus were responsible tor maintaining vital communications and saving the life of his battalion commander. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Keck reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.