The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant] William M. Sanford (ASN: RA-37318213), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 February 1951, near Ip’ori, Korea. On that date he was a squad leader in an infantry platoon which was in defensive positions and was under heavy enemy attack. During this attack Sergeant Sanford exposed himself to extremely heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire in order to direct the fire of his squad and friendly mortars. This fire accounted for fifteen enemy dead before his unit was ordered to withdraw to better positions. When the enemy made a fanatic attack upon his position, he was wounded, but remained until the enemy had been repelled before allowing himself to be evacuated. His courageous actions were an inspiration to all who observed them and enabled his unit to reestablish its defense lines. The gallant conduct of Sergeant Sanford reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.