The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William E. Phillips (ASN: 0-2262270), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 November 1950 near Kujang-dong, Korea. On the night of that date he was leading his rifle platoon in an attack upon a numerically superior enemy force strongly entrenched on high ground. In the course of the action the platoon was subjected to intense machine gun and grenade fire. Lieutenant Phillips immediately ordered a withdrawal and led his men back to rejoin the remainder of the company. With complete disregard for his personal safety, and although he had been wounded, he then returned through the heavy enemy fire to evacuate several wounded men who had been left behind. Not until he was sure that all of the wounded had reached the aid station did he return to the rear to have his own wounded treated. The gallant and inspiring conduct of Lieutenant Phillips reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] William E. Phillips (ASN: 0-2262270), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company had launched an attack against strongly-defended enemy positions. When the leading assault elements were within a few hundred feet of the objective, the enemy directed such devastating fire upon them from all types of weapons that the attack was halted and the company sustained serious casualties, including all of its officers. Lieutenant Phillips, who was then the company’s First Sergeant, assumed command and under the withering hostile fire reorganized the rifle platoons. Exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire with complete disregard for his personal safety, he then launched and led a final assault which completely overran the enemy and secured the objective. The gallant and inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Phillips on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.