The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class William L. Harrington (ASN: RA-44064266), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950, in the vicinity of Tongaen-ni, Korea. On that date powerful enemy forces crossed the Naktong River and succeeded in overrunning several front line units. An enemy force of estimated company strength attacked Sergeant Harrington’s platoon, subjecting its position to withering automatic weapons fire which pinned the platoon down. Sergeant Harrington immediately and with complete indifference for his personal safety dashed through the intense hostile fire to the squad nearest the enemy. Organizing the men under fire, he led them in a counterattack against the enemy’s right flank, employing marching fire as he ran forward. Following his fearless leadership the squad succeeded in overrunning the enemy, causing them to withdraw with heavy losses and in disorder. When the enemy launched another attack with a still larger force, he received orders to withdraw. Refusing to abandon his advantageous position, he held his unit in place, inflicting great casualties upon the advancing enemy and withdrew only when the company had effected an orderly withdrawal. His heroic actions permitted the orderly disengagement of his company with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Harrington reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.