The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] William D. Jeffries (ASN: RA-15416347), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 12 August 1952, a platoon of Company L, 3d Battalion, of which Sergeant Jeffries was the platoon sergeant, was assigned the mission of attacking an enemy-held position in the vicinity of Chokko-ri, Korea, and capturing a prisoner for intelligence purposes. As the friendly assault elements approached their objective, they became the recipients of intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire. Immediately and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Jeffries moved through the treacherous enemy fire, shouting words of encouragement to his men, deploying them into a skirmish line, and directing their fire upon the hostile forces. He directed their fire so skillfully and effectively that the chattering of the enemy weapons soon ceased. After the battle and while organizing and leading his men toward friendly positions after the order had been given to withdraw, he observed that the fanatical foe had charged and were threatening to overrun the forces covering the withdrawal of the friendly unit. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sergeant Jeffries rushed to the scene of turmoil and exposed himself to the ferocious enemy fire as he hurled a white phosphorus grenade upon the foe and subdued their new threat by personally killing four of them with the withering fire of his rifle. Sergeant Jeffries’ extreme gallantry, courage and inspirational leadership which enabled the friendly unit to complete its mission and safely evacuate its casualties, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.