Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 J. Major (ASN: 0-2019056), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea in 1950. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 160 (June 16, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William J. Major (ASN: 0-2019056), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company [then Company A], 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 November 1950 near Kujang-dong, Korea. On that date he was Executive Officer of an infantry company which was defending its positions against a numerically superior enemy force near Kujang-dong. At approximately 2300 hours the enemy launched an attack supported by machine gun, automatic weapons and mortar fire, which disorganized one platoon and caused it to withdraw. Lieutenant Major immediately reorganized this unit and placed each man in a tenable defensive position. As the enemy increased his attack, the ammunition supply ran low. Lieutenant Majors, in the face of this intense enemy fire, drove a jeep to the ammunition supply point and returned with the needed supply. Upon arrival at the unit’s position, he immediately broke the ammunition down, organized carrying parties from the command post group, and personally led these parties to the forward positions. Upon learning that one of the platoon leaders had been wounded, Lieutenant Major, with complete disregard for his personal safety, crawled to the wounded man’s position, and upon arrival discovered that the man was dead. He then started his return trip dragging the body to a position from which it could be evacuated. His courageous actions were instrumental in repulsing the enemy’s attacks. The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Major on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.