The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William Ashbrook Patch (ASN: 0-57281), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chonggo-ri, Korea, on 31 December 1950 – 1 January 1951. The enemy launched a series of attacks in tremendous mass against the 19th Infantry Regiment in an all-out effort to drive friendly troops from the Imjin River defense line. The main effort of these attacks was directed into the middle of the positions of his company. When the attacks began he was in his dug-out Observation Post toward his company’s right flank. Disregarding his own safety and ignoring the terrific enemy fire he went immediately to the danger area to encourage his men and help to direct their fire on the best possible targets. Later in the battle, he received word that the unit on his right seemed to be about to give ground. Immediately he moved to that area and soon saw the at the flanking unit was being forced back under tremendous pressure. The enemy then began to exert that same weight of mass on his right flank platoon. However, so great was his display of cool courage and so secure was his control of his company that his men not only held in position but were able to drive back a good portion of the enemy. He remained at this dangerous area even though painfully wounded by enemy mortar fire during the action and when the order to withdraw was received he led his command intact and ready to fight. He moved the company to the next ridge and set up a defensive line, only to find that the enemy was already on his flanks and the position was untenable. Again he moved the company to a new defense line moving at the rear of his men in order to be certain that all were accounted for and that no wounded were left behind to fall into the hands of the enemy. Throughout this action he ignored the pain of his own wounds, directing the company aid men to minister to his wounded men. Captain Patch’s courageous actions, devotion to duty, and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.