The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William E. Yopp (ASN: RA-12107410), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 near Wonju, Korea. On the morning of that date he was a member of the battalion command post when it was attacked by a large enemy force. He was placed in position, with two other men, with a light machine gun to cover a gate opening into the courtyard of the command post. Although the enemy made repeated attempts to enter the courtyard, Corporal Yopp remained in his exposed position and continued to deliver fire upon the enemy. Finally, a group of enemy entered the courtyard to the right of the command post and commenced throwing hand grenades over the wall. Seeing a grenade land within a few feet of the machine gun, Corporal Yopp immediately pushed one of his comrades to the ground and threw himself between the soldier and the exploding grenade. Absorbing the full blast of the exploding grenade, Corporal Yopp was severely wounded, thus preventing serious injury to his comrade. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Yopp reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.