The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Specialist Fifth Class William Gross McMurray, Jr. (ASN: RA-19865222), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class McMurray distinguished himself on 17 July 1967 while serving with Detachment A-101, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Specialist McMurray assumed control of the United States Special Forces communication net while a Civilian Irregular Defense Group patrol was under attack. Being the only communications specialist present, he monitored communications of all higher and adjacent units. He was required to coordinate medical evacuees, monitor and control air-to-ground nets, and operate the fire support nets. The professional manner in which he performed was evident by the expeditious accomplishment of all his tasks. Without this timely support, many personnel would have been denied the security of the base camp for medical evacuation. During absences of the camp commander, Specialist McMurray had the additional responsibility of relaying all fire support missions from the camp’s organic weapons. This duty was compounded by the fact that the weapons were manned by inexperienced Navy Seabees, which required Specialist McMurray to give verbal instructions on the use of the weapons. The excellent manner in which he carried out his enormous responsibilities resulted in complete victory for the Civilian Irregular Defense Group. Specialist McMurray’s commendable achievements and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Specialist Fifth Class William Gross McMurray, Jr. (ASN: RA-19865222), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 7 February 1968 to 16 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.