The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class William D. Jeffords (NSN: 9860411), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 23 April 1951. When the company was subjected to a night-long attack by a numerically superior hostile force, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jeffords continually moved about the area, rendered aid to the casualties and removed them to covered positions despite the devastating enemy mortar, automatic-weapons and small arms fire. Frequently going forward of the battle line, although surrounded by hostile troops, he courageously hauled wounded comrades to safety and skillfully treated their wounds. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of others, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jeffords served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.