The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant [then Sergeant First Class] William J. Chaltraw, Jr. (ASN: 0-2262422/RA-6913446), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, North Korea. The first major offensive of the Korean Campaign carried the 2d Infantry Division as far north as Jujang-dong, North Korea where they were met by an overwhelming enemy force streaming down from their sanctuary in the north. It was decided to withdraw to Kunu-ri and establish defensive positions in an effort to check the snowballing drive of the hostile forces. During that move, word was received that a strong enemy force had succeeded in setting up a road block on the Kunu-riSunchon road, the life line of the division and the only escape route in the division zone. Every effort was being made to breach this obstacle in order to move troops and evacuate the heavy casualties sustained further to the south. It was during this move that Lieutenant Chaltraw, commander of a heavy mortar crew, was driving his Weapons Carrier which was part of the force attempting to break through the enemy position on 30 November 1950. Upon seeing several wounded comrades lying along the side of the road, Lieutenant Chaltraw, halted his vehicle and despite the intense enemy fire, loaded the wounded before resuming his course. Later when the column was halted by a particularly heavy attack, Lieutenant Chaltraw organized and led a small force of United Nations Personnel in a counter attack upon the enemy, killing 30 and dispersing the remainder, thereby permitting the column to advance. When they were halted a second time by intense fire from an enemy machine gun, Lieutenant Chaltraw, with complete disregard for personal safety, advanced through the hail of enemy fire and, using only his carbine, succeeded in killing all members of the hostile gun crew. He then turned the machine gun upon the remaining enemy who were nearby, forcing a withdrawal, again permitting the advance of the column. Shortly after this he once more halted his vehicle and rescued a wounded soldier who was lying in an exposed position that was subjected to heavy enemy fire. These courageous and heroic actions not only saved the lives of many men, but also permitted the column to continue their movements with a minimum of loss of men and material. The outstanding gallantry in action and consummate devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Chaltraw reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.