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assure that all casualties were evacuated, and that all weapons and supplies which could be of value to the enemy were withdrawn or destroyed.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.