The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Willard Weymouth Crowell, Jr. (ASN: 0-1334421), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 October 1951 in the vicinity of Sanggonbae, Korea. On that date, during an assault on hostile positions, elements of Company F encountered heavy enemy resistance and was forced to withdraw due to many friendly casualties. Upon observing this, Lieutenant Crowell dispersed his men in a skirmish line and advanced through the intense enemy fire to reorganize the withdrawing unit. Combining the two platoons into a single force, Lieutenant Crowell led them forward in a renewed assault but, in the initial phase of the attack, he was wounded by the hostile fire. Disregarding his painful wounds, Lieutenant Crowell remained on an exposed ridge to direct friendly tanks on the now retreating enemy force. Only after the objective was overrun and secured did he submit to medical aid. Through his intrepid heroism and outstanding leadership, the enemy was forced to withdraw, suffering many casualties and the mission successfully completed. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Crowell on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.