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 William M. King (ASN: RA-36734046), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1950, near Majon-ni, Korea, Master Sergeant King was proceeding with the members of his company on a motorized patrol when attacked by a large enemy force. During the action which followed, Master Sergeant King, First Sergeant of Company B, 1st Battalion, exposing himself to intense enemy fire, left his covered position in order to move a wounded comrade to safety whereupon he administered first aid. Then with utter disregard for his own life, he moved among his men, reorganizing them and establishing a base of fire. When the company was ordered to withdraw, Master Sergeant King volunteered to remain with a covering force. At this time he was wounded in the shoulder, but he refused to be evacuated from his position with the rear guard until it withdrew to rejoin the company. The fearless, leadership and heroism displayed by Master Sergeant King on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.