The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Second Lieutenant William D. Mol (AFSN: AO-1911670), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of an F-80 Shooting Star Fighter-Bomber of the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Yunhyon, Korea on 17 April 1951. On this date, Lieutenant Mol was serving as Forward Air Controller with a tank task force of the 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force, deep in enemy territory. During the mission, Lieutenant Mol voluntarily stood in the exposed turret of the lead tank for better observation of targets. Lieutenant Mol, early in the mission, displayed alertness and cool thinking in saving the life of his tank commander by immediately applying first aid when enemy small arms fire severed an artery in his right forearm, requiring his evacuation. Carrying his portable VHF radio with him, Lieutenant Mol then transferred under fire to the new lead tank and the column continued on under sporadic small arms fire from the encircling hills. While trying to climb an embankment, the tank threw a track and was ordered abandoned. Lieutenant Mol, filling his pockets with pistol ammunition, carrying his now damaged radio and a light machine gun, for the second time transferred to a new tank under a withering hail of small arms, automatic weapon, and mortar fire from enemy positions within 150 yards. Acting as gun loader, he aided in blasting enemy positions until the task force commenced its withdrawal when the fire of the tank cannon was no longer effective. Placing his loaded pistol and four extra magazines within easy reach, Lieutenant Mol stood up in the leader’s turret in time to see the other two leading tanks become stuck in the soft ground to his left flank. At this time the enemy moved down the hills to assault them. Suddenly from the right flank, at a distance of 25 yards, two enemy squads commenced to rush Lieutenant Mol’s tank. At this moment the tank commander’s .50 caliber machine gun jammed. Lieutenant Mol, seizing his gun, surprised and dispersed the onrushing enemy with his intense and accurate fire. Other crewmen passed him their own pistols and reloaded his empty magazines, a total of about twenty-five clips being spent. A brief examination of the ground revealed eight bodies within a few yards of the tank. Lieutenant Mol’s initiative, presence of mind, coolness under fire, and aggressive action prevented the certain loss of the tank in which he was riding and insured the safe withdrawal of the personnel of the two stuck tanks. His energy, leadership, courage and gallantry in action were an inspiration to the other men of the task force and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.