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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 (Field Artillery) William R. Gee (ASN: 0-1913456), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 April 1951, near Hongbok, Korea, Lieutenant Gee was the forward artillery observer for a company, occupying a vulnerable defensive position when the sector was strongly attacked by the enemy. Lieutenant Gee began calling for and placing artillery fire upon the hostile assault troops. In the ensuing action, however, the company was forced to withdraw and with elements of another unit was surrounded by the numerically superior enemy. An enemy column began to move in on the trapped units and the order to fix bayonets to charge out of the encirclement was given. At this, Lieutenant Gee destroyed his radio equipment and joining company officers, he led fierce desperate assault with such vehemence that the troops followed his example and completely routed the enemy force. Lieutenant Gee’s gallant leadership and inspirational courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    10th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 16, 1952
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 164 (1952)

    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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William R. Gee (ASN: 0-1913456), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 16 January 1952, fully realizing the hazards involved, Lieutenant Gee voluntarily flew in an unarmed liaison type aircraft to a point approximately 15,000 yards beyond the Division’s main line of resistance to adjust the fire of a forward battery of 155 millimeter guns on reported enemy supply and bivouac areas. Flying through an intense hail of automatic-weapons and anti-aircraft fire, at the hazardous altitude of 4,000 to 7,000 feet, he fearlessly located 300 enemy troops moving on a road at maximum range. He adjusted the devastating fire of the long range guns to bear on the enemy, accounting for fifty percent casualties. Undaunted by the increasing enemy fire being directed at the plane, Lieutenant Gee continued in the area until he pinpointed nine camouflaged positions, a supply area and a great number of personnel. He brought the fire of the forward gun battery on the targets, accounting for 150 enemy casualties, seven direct hits on supply areas and the neutralization of the camouflaged areas. Only after the gun battery ran short of ammunition and the aircraft low on fuel did he return to his base. The gallantry, resolute leadership, and superb devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Gee, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.