The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William G. Mahaffey (ASN: RA-14330989), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company E, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 September 1950 near Ponamdong, Korea. When an enemy attack forced his platoon to withdraw from their defensive position on Hill 483, Private Mahaffey refused to give up his BAR position on the forward slope of the hill. Although exposed to enemy fire, he, with the aid of two machine gunners on his left, delivered such accurate and intense fire that the enemy attack was repulsed. Private Mahaffey then joined his platoon in a successful counterattack during which he killed several more enemy and was himself seriously wounded. Private Mahaffey’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.