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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William M. Farris (ASN: 0-948911), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 August 1951 in the vicinity of Tumil-Lyong, Korea. On this date Company K was attacking vital hill positions which were defended by the enemy in well fortified emplacements. In a desperate attempt to disperse the enemy and secure the objective, Lieutenant Farris led a fierce bayonet assault upon hostile positions. Due to superiority of numbers, the attack was repelled and friendly troops were forced to withdraw. Undaunted by the overwhelming volume of fire put forth by the enemy, Lieutenant Farris crawled to the crest of the hill. From this point he courageously exposed himself to the enemy machine gun fire as he threw hand grenades into the hostile emplacement. As a direct result of this daring act, Lieutenant Farris was seriously wounded, but his heroic example inspired the men of his platoon to carry the fight to the hostile forces and inflict severe losses upon them. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Farris on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 23, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 179 (June 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William M. Farris (ASN: 0-948911), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 23 May 1951 in the vicinity of Sabangga-ri, Korea. On that date he was platoon leader of the 3d platoon whose objective was to seek out and destroy enemy personnel and secure Hill 397, a key terrain feature. Lieutenant Farris led his platoon in a frontal assault on the enemy position. In doing this they had to cross rugged terrain with no natural cover or concealment. As they neared the hill they were subjected to devastating enemy machine gun, sniper and small arms fire which pinned down the platoon. Lieutenant Farris, with complete disregard for his own safety moved forward to a position of great danger. From this position he directed artillery fire on the enemy position so accurately that the pressure upon the platoon was relieved. He then again led his men in the final assault on the hill, knocking out the enemy machine gun and securing the objective. The courageous leadership and selfless devotion to duty of Lieutenant Farris reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.