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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William W. McKellar (ASN: 0-2002884), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 October 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant McKellar was a Platoon Leader and assigned the mission of defending a portion of Hill 281 in the face of an overwhelming fanatical enemy attack. During a particularly critical period in the battle, Lieutenant McKellar, sensing a possible breakthrough by the hostile hordes, completely disregarding his personal safety, left the relative safety of his position, took charge of a 57-mm. Recoilless Rifle and moved through a heavily shelled impact area to a hill which afforded a comparatively better field of fire. From this position Lieutenant McKellar directed the gunner in laying an effective and deadly fire into the assaulting enemy until killed by a savage burst of enemy automatic small arms fire. The casualties caused by the effective fire of the recoilless rifle aided immeasurably in the success of the friendly force in repulsing the attack. The selfless actions and inspiring leadership displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant McKellar reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.