The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private William J. McCartney (ASN: RA-13440548), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 and 27 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On those dates, Private McCartney was serving as rifleman with the 23d Infantry Regiment “Raider Platoon” whose mission was to make contact with the enemy behind their lines and take a prisoner. As the friendly unit neared its objective, they were suddenly subjected to a devastating hail of enemy grenade and automatic weapons fire, seriously impairing the successful completion of their assigned mission. During the ensuing vicious fire fight, Private McCartney personally accounted for at least seven of the approximately forty enemy that were killed. When the platoon was given orders to withdraw for regrouping, Private McCartney, with complete disregard for personal safety, moved about the fire swept terrain helping to evacuate the wounded. During that action, he was seriously wounded, but through sheer courage and determination, continued his self appointed duties of comforting the wounded. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Private McCartney was responsible for the saving of several of his comrades” lives and was instrumental in the successful completion of the mission. Private McCartney’s valor and self-sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.