The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William Michael Berenwick (ASN: US-51593759), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Berenwick distinguished himself on 16 February 1967, as Company A, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division was engaged in a search and destroy mission in an area of dense jungle west of Pleiku. Private First Class Berenwick was serving as Radio-Telephone Operator for the lead squad of the 2d Platoon which was acting as point element for Company A. At mid-afternoon, intense enemy fire inflicted heavy casualties on the lead squad. Private First Class Berenwick immediately returned the enemy fire, then called the Platoon Leader to inform him of the situation. The main body of the 2d Platoon began putting out a heavy volume of fire, enabling the lead squad to withdraw from its precariously exposed position. Private First Class Berenwick, however, remained forward and although cut off from his comrades, maintained his position. He placed extremely effective fire on the enemy, while radioing in adjustments of fire to supporting artillery, which inflicted a high rate of enemy casualties and destroyed many enemy emplacements. In this vulnerable position, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Private First Class Berenwick’s outstanding display of courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.