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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William A. Ahrberg (ASN: 0-957810), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 29 September 1951, during E Company’s attack on Hill 487 in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, the assault platoon’s advance was halted approximately 100 yards short of the objective. Lieutenant Ahrberg, in command of the supporting Second Platoon, aware of the need for immediate action, took upon himself the responsibility of ordering his platoon to pass through the pinned down assault platoon and to continue the attack. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Ahrberg positioned himself with the leading squad and, hurling hand grenades and shouting encouragement to his platoon, led the unit to its objective. Because of the rapidity with which the assault was carried, Lieutenant Ahrberg, realizing that control of his platoon could easily be lost, remained exposed to the intense enemy fire and personally directed the securing of the objective. The outstanding initiative and gallant leadership displayed by Lieutenant Ahrberg reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William A. Ahrberg (ASN: 0-957810), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 22 May 1951, in the vicinity of Sich’on, Korea, Company E attacked Hill 440, which was defended by a well-entrenched enemy with good observation and an excellent field of fire. The assault platoon, commanded by Lieutenant Ahrberg, had advanced to within 25 feet of the crest of the hill when it came under intense enemy grenade and small arms fire, wounding several members of the platoon and halting the advance. Although seriously wounded himself during this action, and in severe pain, Lieutenant Ahrberg courageously rallied his men. Urging his men forward, he fearlessly led them in another assault on the hostile positions, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and forcing him to withdraw. Lieutenant Ahrberg’s outstanding gallantry and selfless devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William A. Ahrberg (ASN: 0-957810), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 24 November 1951, while holding defensive positions on Hill 355, near Kangso-ri, Korea, outpost elements of Company E were attacked by an estimated enemy battalion which penetrated the perimeter and inflicted numerous casualties upon the friendly troops. Receiving a report of the outpost’s dire predicament, Lieutenant Ahrberg, the Fourth Platoon leader then occupying a position at the company command post, unhesitatingly rushed through the intense fire to the outpost and took command. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly moved about in exposed positions, reorganizing and encouraging the men. Friendly reinforcements moving up added to the confusion created by enemy infiltrations but Lieutenant Ahrberg’s skillful and calm leadership inspired the men to regain the lost ground and repulse the foe repeatedly. The exemplary gallantry and resolute leadership displayed by Lieutenant Ahrberg in organizing the vital defense reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.