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 (Field Artillery) William R. Madden, Jr. (ASN: 0-975482), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 28 February 1952, near Tap-tong, Korea, Lieutenant Madden volunteered to fly as observer in an unarmed liaison type aircraft in order to adjust the fire of a forward battery of 155 millimeter guns on reported enemy supply buildup areas and troop concentrations, approximately twelve miles beyond the Division’s main line of resistance and in an area well known to be protected by large concentrations of high velocity anti-aircraft and automatic-weapons positions. Although the aircraft in which he was flying was subjected constantly to intense anti-aircraft barrages, Lieutenant Madden calmly directed friendly fire on five different supply positions with such devastating accuracy that large amounts of supplies and approximately 100 enemy casualties were accounted for. Cognizant of the fact that should his plane be disabled he would not be able to glide to friendly territory, Lieutenant Madden nevertheless continued gathering intelligence information and directing artillery fire until he was ordered to return to his base by the fire direction center. The gallantry, resolute leadership, and bravery in the face of personal danger demonstrated by Lieutenant Madden reflect great credit upon himself, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.