Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 27, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 89 (November 16, 1950)

    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 Richard R. Wills (ASN: RA-19305695), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 September 1950 in the vicinity of Koryang, Korea. During an attack against an enemy-held hill Private Wills’ squad was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire directed at them from two emplacements on the hill. After locating the machine gun positions, Private Wills voluntarily left his position of comparative safety and dashed forward up the hill in the face of the intense concentration of machine gun fire directed at him. Displaying complete indifference for his personal safety, he continued his undaunted charge, firing his weapon and hurling hand grenades, until both machine guns were destroyed. His courageous action was responsible for preventing more serious casualties among his comrades and allowed his squad to successfully accomplish its mission. The gallantry displayed by Private Wills on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.