The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William A. Costa (ASN: US-51098932), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Sangyong-dong, Korea, on 11 January 1952. Private Costa was a member of a reconnaissance patrol sent out by his company to scout strongly fortified enemy positions. The patrol had advanced over rocky, mountainous terrain to within fifty yards of the emplacements, when enemy fire became so intense they were forced to see cover. Without regard for the concentrated hail of automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire, Private Costa charged the enemy bunker from which the extremely heavy fire was coming. He fired his weapon with such accuracy and rapidity and exhibited such outstanding aggressiveness that the enemy was completely taken by surprise and fled in confusion. As he advanced to the mouth of the enemy bunker, he threw two hand grenades into it and completely destroyed the fortification. As a result of his lone act of courage, the patrol successfully completed its mission. Private Costa’s gallant action and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.