The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William H. Rice (ASN: 0-1688670), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. On 7 March 1951, after successfully crossing the Han River near Seoul, Korea, Lieutenant Rice’s unit was immobilized by intense automatic weapons fire. Exposing himself to the deadly barrage, he ran to a forward vantage point to destroy the enemy emplacement with accurately hurled grenades. Although the enemy were entrenched on the higher ground to the rear overlooking the open riverside, he led his men up the fire-swept slope in a determined assault that drove the foe into disorganized flight. Lieutenant Rice’s valorous leadership, military ability and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the high traditions of the United States Army.