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. Hedges (ASN: 0-981917), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Battery A, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Hedges was in charge of a forward observer party directing artillery fire in support of an infantry company. When the company was attacked and surrounded by numerically superior enemy forces, Lieutenant Hedges organized the remainder of the men, explained the situation and planned an attempt to lead them out of the trap. With complete disregard for his own safety Lieutenant Hedges personally destroyed one machine gun emplacement, killing five enemy troops with carbine and grenade fire. The elimination of this enemy strong point allowed the men to continue their orderly withdrawal. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Lieutenant Hedges reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.