The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William L. Kasfeldt (MCSN: 1151271), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Automatic Rifleman of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 June 1952. Although painfully wounded when the reconnaissance patrol became engaged with a large hostile force in enemy territory, Private First Class Kasfeldt fearlessly advanced with his fire team in the face of intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire to form a covering force for the evacuation of wounded. Refusing medical aid, he remained with the covering force for over four hours and repeatedly subjected himself to grave peril in order to draw enemy fire away from the evacuation party. During the withdrawal, he assisted in fighting a rear guard action and, upon reaching friendly lines, refused medical aid until all other wounded had been treated. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Kasfeldt served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.