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 Corporal William Edward Harrigan (ASN: US-55171979), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action near Sokkogae, Korea. On 23 March 1953, heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire began falling on the friendly positions in conjunction with enemy attacks against strategic friendly-held outposts. During this attack, Corporal Harrigan, a squad leader in the weapons platoon, moved from position to position, shifting his men to fill in the gaps in the defenses and aiding in the evacuation of the friendly wounded. Continuing to patrol the fire-swept trenches, Corporal Harrigan, ignoring the intense enemy fire, encouraged and calmed the fighting men until he was killed by an enemy artillery round. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Harrigan reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.