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 (Infantry) William J. Cribb, Jr. (ASN: 0-60695), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 29 Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 July 1950, near Hadong, Korea, a numerically superior enemy force attacking from high ground with heavy fire power threatened to cut off an infantry unit and had destroyed the supporting weapons of Company M. Quickly organizing a platoon of riflemen, Lieutenant Cribb led them to a vantage point from which they could effectively fire on the hostile forces, divert fire and cover the withdrawal of the harassed company. Inspiring his men by his personal example of courage and determination, Lieutenant Cribb maintained the position so that some 300 men could extricate themselves from theirthe hazardous position. Lieutenant Cribb’s heroic leadership, initiative and determination reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

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 Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William J. Cribb, Jr. (ASN: 0-60695), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Tabu Dong, Korea, on 17th of August 1950. Captain Cribb’s company was supporting the battalion and defensive positions astride the regimental main supply route. At 1500 hrs., the outer boundary of the perimeter was subjected to heavy mortar concentrations followed by a merciless hail of small arms fire. Captain Cribb observed that a reinforced hostile company had made a partial breakthrough and was attempting to cut off the vital supply route from commanding ground to the rear. Unmindful of personal safety, he moved about the fire swept impact area, reorganizing his command for maximum defense directing a holding action. He skillfully adjusted mortar fire to bear on the advancing foe and was instrumental in wiping out two hostile mortar positions and inflicting numerous casualties. As enemy action increased in volume and intensity, he ran across open ground and organized adjacent machine guns and directed fields of fire. He then organized and led a determined counterattack which resulted in routing the enemy from the key terrain with a total of approximately 100 dead and wounded. Captain Cribb’s inspirational leadership and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.