The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private William W. Pearson (ASN: RA-32269815), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 April 1951, near Habongam-ni, Korea, while Company C was assaulting a series of enemy positions, the leading elements were suddenly pinned down by hostile automatic weapons fire from an emplacement to the front. Private Pearson, a lead scout, voluntarily braved the intense enemy fire, assaulted the position, and destroyed it. As his squad continued its advance up the hill, an enemy soldier armed with a submachine gun opened fire. Private Pearson instantly dropped to the ground and killed the enemy soldier with accurate rifle fire. Private Pearson’s gallantry, courage, and aggressiveness were instrumental in the successful seizure of the objective by the unit with a minimum of casualties and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.