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 Corporal William Harvey Rettinger (ASN: RA-19317686), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chuam-ni, Korea. On 14 February 1951, Corporal Rettinger was assigned as a bow gunner on an M-24 tank participating in a roadblock at an important junction near Chuam-ni. When an estimated 1000 enemy troops launched an attack against the roadblock, Corporal Rettinger’s unit repeatedly repulsed the assaults and inflicted tremendous casualties on the hostile force. During one of the assaults, the 75-mm. gun on the tank became inoperative due to a round becoming lodged in the barrel. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Rettinger left his position within the tank and, under intense and direct fire from the enemy, repeatedly attempted to dislodge the round with a rammer staff until the tank was rendered untenable by enemy fire, and he was forced to dismount. Observing an unmanned machine gun, he immediately trained it on the enemy and poured devastating fire into the advancing ranks. While manning the machine gun, he was killed by a burst of enemy small-arms fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Rettinger, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.