Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 19, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 435 (November 27, 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 Corporal William Hurt Thornton (ASN: RA-14275100), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations in the Republic of Korea while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Corporal Thornton, on 19 October 1950 when the Regiment was moving up the main road in Korea in the attack, with 1st Battalion in front, B Company was lead company, they engaged with the enemy and was held up for several hours by two light machine guns and several riflemen were receiving mortar fire when Corporal Thornton crawled around in a ditch beyond hit with shrapnel using an automatic carbine knocked out one light machinegun and four riflemen from the flank, causing the enemy to withdraw. Then the Company continued on permission.