The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] William R. Tomashek (ASN: US-55037758), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in the area of Hill 461, in the vicinity of Ch’u-dong, Korea, on 27 August 1951. When the enemy launched a fanatical attack against company B, Sergeant Tomashek unhesitatingly moved ahead through intense enemy fire and provided effective covering fire as his unit made the attack. Sergeant Tomashek remained in an advanced position, inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy, and delayed their action. Realizing the enemy’s superior number could overrun the position, he stubbornly resisted the hostile forces with withering machine gun fire and covered the withdrawal of his comrades until he exhausted his ammunition supply. Sergeant Tomashek’s courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.