The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class William F. Wells (ASN: US-52017012), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 August 1951 in the vicinity of Worun-ni, Korea. On this date Company G had secured strategic positions on Hill 940 and was immediately counterattacked by a fanatically determined hostile force. As the enemy began to infiltrate friendly defenses, Sergeant Wells advanced through the intense fire to set up a forward position and delay the enemy. During the ensuing action, when his unit was ordered to withdraw, Sergeant Wells refused to leave and, remaining in his position, provided covering fire for the withdrawing troops. He continued to engage the hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them, until his unit had established a new line of defense. Through his dauntless courage and selfless actions, the movement of the friendly unit was completed with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Wells was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.