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) William A. Hand (ASN: 0-1924510), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, when Company C was assigned a feinting mission preceding an attack by the 3d Battalion against the enemy on Hill 477, near Chorwon, Korea, the advance platoon, led by Lieutenant Hand, had traversed approximately half the distance to the objective when halted by intense enemy fire. Quickly reorganizing the unit, Lieutenant Hand courageously initiated an assault which carried to within 50 yards of hostile positions. Lacking ammunition for a sustained attack, he skillfully deployed the platoon and engaged the hostile reinforcements which were moving up on the flank. Upon receiving orders to withdraw, he formed and remained with a rearguard squad protecting the evacuation of casualties and the withdrawal of the platoon. Lieutenant Hand’s gallant leadership and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.