Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to William H. Anderson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 290 (April 7, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private William Haskel Anderson (ASN: RA-16253163), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sesim-ni, Korea, on 4 February 1951. The enemy launched a series of attacks in tremendous mass aimed at driving his company from its commanding ground. As each massive thrust was repelled and the attackers recoils to reorganize they would leave some machine guns and light mortars in position very close to the company lines. One of these mortars, in position about 200 yards from the company positions, became particularly effective and began to cos the company many casualties. Private Anderson observed the flash of the weapon, but was unable to strike the crew with small arms fire and could not call his own mortars in close enough to eliminate this source of the enemy’s strength. He crawled from his comparatively safe position and down the ridge toward the enemy guiding on the flashes of the mortar in the darkness. From a position within 50 yards f the enemy position he fired his rifle with great accuracy and silenced the weapon. He began making his way back up the hill to his comrades, but when he had climbed to within yards of the top he was hit by enemy machine gun fire and killed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Anderson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.