The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Bill R. Coppock (ASN: RA-39331639), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 November 1950, near Majon-ni, Korea, a wire patrol consisting of ten men left the battalion perimeter with the mission of establishing wire communication with an adjacent unit. The wiremen were using commercial wire lines to the maximum extent possible. Sergeant Coppock, armed with an automatic rifle, proceeded to a nearby hill, to cover other wiremen who were climbing poles and repairing damaged communication lines. While working, the group was fired on by a numerically superior enemy force from the high ground to their right. Sergeant Coppock in his position was unable to return this heavy enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved through this fire to another position, completely exposed, but from which he could place effective fire on the enemy. When the wire party commenced withdrawing to their vehicles, Sergeant Coppock remained in this exposed area, covering their withdrawal. Only when he had expended all ammunition and was ordered to withdraw by his patrol leader did he rejoin his comrades. His heroic and courageous actions were an inspiration to his comrades and resulted in their safe evacuation without a single casualty. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Coppock reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.