The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Bill C. Kluttz (ASN: RA-34609749), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 February 1951 near Chipyong-ni, Korea. In the early morning hours of that date he was a platoon sergeant in a unit which had been forced to withdraw approximately 400 yards. While exposed to heavy hostile mortar, grenade and small arms fire, he placed a squad in a gap in the company line, and killed two of the enemy who attempted to cut him off. He then returned to his platoon and manned a light machine gun to replace the gunners who had been wounded and evacuated. Despite the intense hostile fire he remained in position and single-handedly repelled two enemy assaults. His courageous actions enabled his men to hold off the enemy until the company could establish new defensive positions. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Kluttz reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.