The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major [then Second Lieutenant] William K. Horn, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on 20 May 1951 while serving as a Mortar Section Leader, attached to Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea. When a numerically superior hostile force attacked the company position during the night, penetrated a portion of the line, and forced one squad to withdraw to the mortar position, Major Horn, who was then on his way to high ground to observe and adjust mortar fire, realized the danger of leaving a portion of the line undefended and immediately led the withdrawn squad through heavy hostile fire to their former positions, thereby preventing the enemy from exploiting the penetration. He then proceeded to direct accurate and effective fire on the enemy, aiding materially in repulsing the attack. Major Horn’s courageous leadership and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.