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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 J. Peifer (ASN: RA-13280136), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Peifer distinguished himself by courageous action near Kanyong, Korea, on 25 April 1951. He was leading his squad in an assault on two enemy machine gun positions in the fog-bound area surrounding the town. Alone, he knocked out one gun emplacement and then started toward the other, but heavy enemy fire held him down and finally forced his squad to withdraw. He voluntarily covered the withdrawal and, while engaged in a fierce fire duel with enemy troops, was mortally wounded by an enemy round when trying to make his own withdrawal. Sergeant Peifer’s courageous actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Corporal William J. Peifer (ASN: RA-13280136), United States Army, for a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic action near Pohang-dong, Korea, on 2 September 1950. During an attack he observed a fellow soldier, who had been manning a machine gun, fall wounded. He unhesitantly went to his comrade’s side and carried him through intense artillery, mortar and small arms fire, to a position of relative safety. Returning to the unmanned gun, he delivered effective fire upon the enemy, inflicted heavy casualties, and destroyed two machine gun positions. Corporal Peifer’s heroic actions reflect great credit on himself and the United States Infantry.