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 Sergeant William A. Mitchell (ASN: RA-16310746), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 February 1951 in the vicinity of Twin Tunnels, Korea. Sergeant Mitchell was a squad leader in Company L, which had been ordered to withdraw to a new position. When the order came to withdraw, the squad was engaged in repulsing a fanatical enemy attack. After orienting his squad as to the location and route of withdrawal, Sergeant Mitchell ordered the assistant squad leader to move the squad while he remained to cover the withdrawal. Despite the overwhelming number of enemy troops, he held the position with rifle fire and hand grenades until the completion of the withdrawal. As he tried to make his way to the new positions, Sergeant Mitchell was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. His courageous action and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Mitchell reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.