Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    June 17, 1951

    Headquarters, X Corps, General Orders No. 178 (August 16, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to First Lieutenant William E. Kerrigan (MCSN: 0-46501), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Wonju, Korea, on 17 June 1951. Assigned the mission of assaulting Hill 907, then strongly defended by a well-entrenched enemy force, Lieutenant Kerrigan skillfully deployed his forces and led the attack. When the leading element was halted by intense, accurate, enemy automatic weapons fire, he quickly moved through the deadly hail of fire to reorganize the company and continue the attack. Inspired by their leader’s courageous action, his men swept forward toward the objective, but again were forced to withdraw to positions of safety. When ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant Kerrigan repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to assure that all casualties were evacuated, and that all weapons and supplies which could be of value to the enemy were withdrawn or destroyed. The gallantry and high devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kerrigan on this occasion reflect great credit on himself and the military service.