Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 29, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 119 (May 25, 1951)

    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 Private Bill Horton (ASN: RA-25932895), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 January 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. Private Horton was a member of a motorized patrol which was on a probing mission deep inside enemy lines. The patrol was ambushed by a large enemy force and, subjected to intense fire from commanding ground, abandoned its vehicle and formed a perimeter defense on high ground. The enemy launched repeated attacks in an attempt to destroy the patrol. During the bitter combat which ensued, Private Horton exposed himself continuously to heavy cross fire, moving from one position to another to reinforce weak points in the line. When one flank of the patrol was pinned down by heavy fire from an enemy machine gun, he single-handedly assaulted the position, destroying the weapon, killing one of the crew and driving the remainder back. As he returned to the perimeter, he was struck and killed by machine gun fire from another hostile position. The gallantry displayed by Private Horton reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.