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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William T. Lyons (ASN: 0-2019619), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 8 April 1951, near Hwangji-ri, Korea, while making a reconnaissance to determine enemy dispositions Lieutenant Lyons’ platoon was suddenly warned by a friendly liaison plane of an enemy ambush approximately four hundred yards to its front. Realizing that the ambush had failed, the enemy attempted to separate the platoon echelons with mortar fire. Although under constant enemy observation, Lieutenant Lyons promptly had his artillery forward observer place artillery concentrations on the known target areas and deployed a squad in a flanking movement to make contact with the enemy. With no regard for his personal safety and despite the withering enemy fire directed at him, he repeatedly exposed himself in order to supervise his platoon’s actions. When the enemy counteracted the flanking movement, Lieutenant Lyons ordered the squad to withdraw gradually until it rejoined the platoon. Still exposed to intense hostile fire, he effected the withdrawal of the entire platoon to cover without sustaining a single casualty. Lieutenant Lyons’ heroism and cool thinking under fire reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 302 (July 23, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William T. Lyons (ASN: 0-2019619), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 June 1951, Company L was assigned the mission of securing an objective near Pangori, Korea. After the lead platoon had moved out, it became readily engaged in a fierce firefight and was pinned down by the fire of several heavy caliber machine guns and enemy snipers. Observing the platoon’s situation, Lieutenant Lyons moved to a vantage point in full view of the enemy automatic weapons to determine his course of action. While at this dangerous post, the enemy began an intense mortar barrage which wounded several men and temporarily disorganized the lead platoon. As the mortar barrage momentarily lifted, Lieutenant Lyons astutely directed the confused unit to a defilade position where it could be reorganized. Having located two enemy guns, while deliberately exposing himself to the withering enemy fire, Lieutenant Lyons called for a rocket launcher and directed fire which silenced both weapons. Lieutenant Lyons, although burdened with hazardous and multiple duties of a front-line command, guided the evacuation of the wounded from the battle area and pointed out targets for effective artillery fire support. The excellent leadership and inspiring gallantry exhibited by Lieutenant Lyons reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.