The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class William Edward Krilling (ASN: RA-17216353), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Krilling distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea, on 13 February 1953. On that date, Sergeant Krilling assumed command of a combat patrol when the patrol leader was wounded in the initial stages of a fire-fight with hostile forces. Sergeant Krilling led the members of the patrol in an attack through a minefield during an intense barrage. When the patrol reached the enemy trenches, Sergeant Krilling, ignoring painful arm and hip wounds inflicted by a grenade, drove the enemy troops from their installation and into a deep cave. After his three companions were wounded by a fragmentation grenade, Sergeant Krilling ran through the grenades and small-arms fire to sweep the enemy’s position with a burst from his carbine. Though weakened from loss of blood, Sergeant Krilling lifted two of his comrades out of the trench and carried them to safety. When the third man, whom Sergeant Krilling had assumed could move by himself, cried out for help, Sergeant Krilling moved back to the cave, again swept the entrance with a burst of fire, and carried the man to a waiting litter. The patrol was ambushed, but Sergeant Krilling calmly directed supporting fire on the enemy squad and guided his men to a successful escape without further mishap. He then refused medical aid until all of his disabled comrades had been treated. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant First Class Krilling on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.