The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William A. Holcombe (ASN: RA-44029228), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. Corporal Holcombe was a member of a tank-infantry patrol which had the mission of clearing an enemy roadblock from the main supply route. The patrol was brought under intense hostile machine gun, grenade and rifle fire and in the initial action Corporal Holcombe was wounded as he manned a .50 caliber machine gun. Disregarding his wound he picked up an automatic rifle and, with complete disregard for his personal safety, engaged the enemy, raking their positions with automatic fire until his weapon jammed. He then seized a rifle and from an exposed position continued to fire upon the enemy, providing covering fire which enabled the tanks to be turned about and all the wounded to be placed aboard. Although he was once more wounded, he held his position until he was ordered to withdraw. As the tanks withdrew, he continued to place fire on hostile emplacements until the patrol was safely out of range of enemy weapons. The gallant and selfless conduct of Corporal Holcombe reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.