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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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William E. Rohr (ASN: US-52053982), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 September 1951, Company G of the 7th Infantry Regiment, holding defensive positions near Yaksang-dong, Korea, was subjected to several hours of intense shelling by enemy artillery. Private Rohr, attached to the company as assistant reconnaissance sergeant, was occupying a dug-in position with the forward observer during the artillery barrage. Immediately following the prolonged bombardment, a group of 15 hostile soldiers infiltrated the area to within approximately 15 years of the company command post before their presence was known. At this point, the leading enemy soldier threw a concussion grenade into the position occupied by Private Rohr; shaking off the effects of the grenade, he rose to his feet and killed the nearest foe. He then placed himself in a blocking position between the enemy and command post, killing five of the attacking enemy and wounding others. Private Rohr’s superbly inspiring defense broke the hostile attack and undoubtedly saved the command post from being overrun. The gallantry and courageous determination displayed by Private Rohr reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    10th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 102 (1952)

    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 Sergeant William E. Rohr (ASN: US-52053982), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1951, during an attack by hordes of hostile troops near Kowang-ni, Korea, Sergeant Rohr directed such effective and accurate artillery fire upon the onrushing foe that they were temporarily forced to withdraw. However during return artillery fire, Sergeant Rohr’s section was destroyed by an exploding enemy artillery shell, and unable to send any further fire orders to his unit; he immediately moved over the exposed area applying first aid and assisting the medical aidmen in the evacuation of the wounded. Faced by overwhelming waves of enemy ground troops, the friendly forces were ordered to withdraw to more tenable positions. Being among the last to leave the embattled area, Sergeant Rohr discovered three men trapped and partially buried in their demolished position. Working quickly, he succeeded in freeing one of the men just as the enemy reached the top of the hill and spotted the trapped men. As the enemy advanced toward them, Sergeant Rohr directed the freed man to assist the others while he secured an automatic-weapon and with devastating accuracy laid down a base of fire which greatly slowed the relentless enemy, allowing time for the trapped men to be freed. Upon seeing that the men had reached new positions, he allowed the enemy troops to advance within grenade range of him, then threw the lethal weapon into their midst, completely disorganizing them and allowing him time to escape. Sergeant Rohr’s gallantry was instrumental in saving the lives of three men and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.