The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William Robert Petersen (ASN: 56419105), United States Army, for gallantry In action against a hostile force while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 March 1967. On this date Private First Class Petersen was moving with his company on a reconnaissance of the jungle surrounding a landing zone deep in War Zone C. The company was suddenly attacked by a large and well-armed hostile force. Although it was evident that he and his comrades were outnumbered, Private First Class Petersen refused to withdraw. He placed effective fire into the insurgent ranks and encouraged his fellow soldiers to fight harder. Several times, the insurgent drives threatened to overrun the friendly positions. Each time, Private First Class Petersen moved to the area of heaviest fighting to assist his embattled comrades. After moments of fierce hand-to-hand combat, the repeated insurgent assaults were driven back. Private First Class Petersen succeeded in killing many Viet Cong before he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His courageous actions motivated his comrades to stave off the insurgent onslaughts until friendly reinforcements arrived. Private First Class Petersen’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.