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 Private First Class William F. Underdown (ASN: RA-13310371), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 11 July 1950, near Chonan, Korea. As radio operator for the Battalion Command Post, Private Underdown was at his post when an enemy attack started. He was slightly injured by a mortar burst. Moving to a higher position, he continued to operate his radio. Being subjected to heavy enemy machine gun fire, he jumped into a foxhole. From this position he alternately operated his radio and fired his weapon in order to hold his position. A mortar shell burst in his foxhole partially blinding Private Underdown. He still continued to operate his radio and kept communications flowing. A fellow soldier tried to have him withdraw for his own safety, but Private Underdown refused saying that he must maintain communications. When last seen Private Underdown was still in his foxhole alternately firing his weapon and operating his radio. This conspicuous act of gallantry on the part of Private Underdown reflects the highest possible credit on himself and the military service.