The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Armor) William M. Mace (ASN: 0-2262319/RA-15011291), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Somin-dong, Korea. On the night of 26 November 1950, Lieutenant Mace and his section of three tanks were supporting the right flank of an infantry battalion in defense against a strong enemy force that had launched a major offensive. Since this enemy thrust was so fierce and fanatical, the battalion was forced to withdraw and its positions were completely overrun. Although his section was surrounded, it maintained constant fire on the enemy with all tank weapons, thereby delaying the hostile advance. Realizing the futility of trying to stem the overwhelming enemy advance with his three tanks, he decided to withdraw. He dispatched one of his tanks to a more favorable position from which it could over the movement of the remaining two tanks, then noticed that one of the remaining tanks had failed to start. Bringing his tank into position to move the immobilized one, Lieutenant Mace, with complete disregard for his personal safety, and in order to attach the tow cable to the stalled tank, dismounted from his tank despite the close proximity of the enemy, several of which he killed with his pistol at point-blank range. While fastening the cable to the stalled tank, his own tank was struck by hostile rocket fire and disabled. Undismayed by the immobilization of two tanks, the close proximity of the enemy and the intense hostile fire, he lead four wounded tank crewmen into his command jeep and, while the remaining tankers and himself provided cover for the jeep, successfully led them through the enemy-held area to safety. The fearless leadership, courage, and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Mace on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.