The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William Wallace Nairn, III (ASN: 0-50720), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 26 July 1950, near Sangn-yong, Korea, Captain Nairn was ordered to move his company up a narrow river bed to block the advance of enemy forces. He quickly organized a team of tanks and infantry and led them forward to recapture an enemy-held village. Proceeding beyond the town where numerically superior enemy forces held a strategic position, his company inflicted an estimated two hundred casualties upon the enemy before they were able to reinforce their position. When enemy reinforcements arrived and threatened to outflank his company, Captain Nairn withdrew his company so skillfully that a minimum of casualties were sustained despite withering fire from both flanks. His inspired leadership and gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William Wallace Nairn, III (ASN: 0-50720), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. When the line of departure had been secured for a battalion attack in the vicinity of Masan, Korea, on 2 August 1950 and Captain Nairn was moving his company along a road to the rear area, he was notified that the enemy had set up a road block and had immobilized a small friendly force with machine gun fire. Captain Nairn deployed two platoons to flank the enemy force which held a key hill, and moved the other platoon into position to trap the enemy as they withdrew. In the resulting action the enemy was deprived of the road which had served as a supply route and suffered heavy casualties. As the enemy retreated, they were reinforced to strength of an estimated battalion and counterattacked, isolating each of the three platoons. Captain Nairn devised a route of withdrawal for one platoon and moved through intense enemy fire to lead the other two platoons through the mountains to safety. Captain Nairn’s resourcefulness, inspired leadership and selfless devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.