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 Edward Fitzpatrick (ASN: 0-2109156), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 September 1950 near Changnyong, Korea. Lieutenant Fitzpatrick was assigned as Executive Officer of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, while that unit was launching its drive toward the Naktong River. Early in the attack the enemy directed such a concentrated amount of mortar and artillery fire upon the attacking elements of Company F that the advance was halted. With the success of the entire operation in doubt, Lieutenant Fitzpatrick organized a daring assault upon the enemy positions, and with total disregard for his personal safety, led the unit in an attack which succeeded in overrunning the enemy positions. Throughout this action, he exposed himself constantly to heavy enemy fire being directed at him. On one occasion he single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun. The gallant leadership of Lieutenant Fitzpatrick on this occasion was a source of pride and inspiration to all of his men, and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.