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 First Class William F. Pinkerton (ASN: US-56076579), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date during an attack on well-fortified enemy positions, the platoon of which Private Pinkerton was a member, was pinned down by intense fire from hostile bunkers and trenches. Disregarding the hostile fire, Private Pinkerton advanced toward the enemy positions firing his rifle and throwing grenades. He succeeded in destroying several emplacements with his grenades and then reaching an enemy trench he jumped in it and proceeded to route the enemy single-handedly. During this action he was painfully wounded but continued his aggressive assault inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy, thus enabling his unit to advance and accomplish its mission successfully. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Private Pinkerton on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.