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 (Field Artillery) William H. Steele (ASN: 0-1182263), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Battery B, 52nd Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 16 July 1950, at Tuman Ni, Korea. Lieutenant Steele was battery executive and in the battery position at the time of an enemy attack. The battery commander was killed in the initial enemy fire and five of the six chiefs of section were wounded. Lieutenant Steele promptly assumed command of the battery and directed the defense of the position. The attack lasted for four hours and in addition to directing the fire of the battery, he had the wounded collected and carried to an area safe from enemy fire. His coolness under fire and his able leadership inspired the members of his battery to such an extent that the enemy attack was repulsed and the battery position was saved from capture by the enemy. This act of conspicuous gallantry in action on the part of Lieutenant Steele reflects the highest possible credit on himself and the military service.